Political Science and Government at University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame's political science graduates earn $55,316 in their first year—nearly 60% more than the typical political science grad nationally and substantially above even DePauw, the state's second-highest performer at $44,224. This is a 95th percentile program both nationally and in Indiana, demonstrating that the Notre Dame network and brand translate directly into unusually strong outcomes for a major that typically struggles with early earnings. The $19,000 median debt is manageable given these earnings, producing a debt-to-income ratio of just 0.34 (meaning graduates owe roughly one-third of their first-year salary).

What's particularly noteworthy is the earnings trajectory: four years out, median pay climbs to $68,814, a 24% increase that suggests graduates are advancing into policy roles, law school, or consulting positions where the degree gains traction. While the debt figure sits higher than you'd ideally see relative to other political science programs nationally, the absolute amount remains reasonable—especially considering Notre Dame's 12% admission rate and the caliber of opportunities its graduates access.

For families who can manage the upfront cost (note the low 12% Pell grant rate), this represents one of the safest bets in political science nationwide. The combination of strong initial earnings and solid growth trajectory sets graduates up well whether they're heading to law school, government work, or the private sector.