Political Science and Government at University of North Dakota

A Bachelor's in Political Science from UND carries an estimated debt load of $22,954—slightly below the national median for this major—but the earnings picture requires careful context. Based on peer programs nationwide, first-year graduates typically earn around $35,627, which produces a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, North Dakota's own political science programs show a starkly different reality: the state median sits at just $26,635, nearly $9,000 below the national figure. With only five programs statewide and limited actual data available, it's unclear whether UND graduates beat this lower state average or fall closer to it.

The gap between national and local outcomes matters significantly here. If UND graduates earn closer to what similar North Dakota programs produce, that $22,954 in debt becomes considerably harder to manage on a $26,635 salary. Political science degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school, law school, or public service careers—paths that may justify modest initial earnings but require careful financial planning. The relatively low Pell grant enrollment (16%) suggests this program may attract students with more family financial support, which could buffer the debt burden.

Given the uncertainty in these estimates, parents should contact UND's career services directly to understand where recent political science graduates actually land—which sectors, which salary ranges, and how many pursue graduate education. The estimated figures suggest reasonable affordability by national standards, but the state context raises questions that only school-specific outcomes data can answer.