Political Science and Government at University of North Florida

University of North Florida's political science graduates start at $37,841—outpacing both the state median ($34,621) and national median ($35,627)—but the real story is the trajectory. Four years out, earnings jump to $47,933, a 27% increase that suggests graduates are finding their footing in careers that reward experience. Among Florida's 30 political science programs, UNF ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only a handful of private schools like Tampa and Rollins while beating larger state competitors like UCF and USF.

The debt picture makes this program particularly accessible. At $17,276, graduates owe roughly $6,500 less than the state average and $6,200 less than the national average for political science majors. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning the typical graduate could theoretically pay off loans in under six months of gross earnings. That's unusual breathing room for a liberal arts degree.

For families worried about political science as an impractical major, UNF's combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings growth offers reassurance. The starting salary won't impress anyone, but graduates appear to be translating their degrees into steadily improving career prospects. At this price point and with this earnings trajectory, it's a reasonable investment—especially for in-state students paying Florida tuition rates.