Political Science and Government at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

UNCG's political science program starts graduates at a challenging $30,925—about $2,000 below the state median and $5,000 under the national average—but the trajectory matters here. By year four, earnings jump 37% to $42,318, which actually surpasses what graduates from UNC-Chapel Hill earn at the same point. Among North Carolina's 43 political science programs, this sits right at the 40th percentile, meaning it's middle-of-the-pack in a state that includes powerhouses like Duke and Wake Forest.

The $25,000 in debt is manageable relative to that first-year salary (0.81 ratio), and importantly, it's nearly identical to both state and national median debt for political science majors. The real question is whether your family can weather that difficult first year or two. UNCG serves a predominantly working-class student body (47% receive Pell grants), so many graduates may need to prioritize immediate income over traditional low-paying political internships that could accelerate career growth. If your child can afford to take strategic positions early—campaign work, government fellowships, nonprofit roles—the four-year earnings suggest those investments pay off.

This isn't the bargain you'd find at NC A&T, where graduates earn more from day one, but the long-term earning power is solid. For a politically engaged student willing to hustle through a lean early period, UNCG provides a viable path into the field without crushing debt.