Political Science and Government at University of Oregon

University of Oregon's political science graduates start modestly at $36,022 but see their earnings jump 55% to nearly $56,000 within four years—one of the stronger growth trajectories you'll find in this field. That career acceleration matters more than the middling first-year number. The program sits squarely at the Oregon median for initial earnings, but among the state's 15 political science programs, it ranks in the 60th percentile, outperforming larger competitors like Portland State and Willamette.

The debt picture is a genuine strength here. At $20,183, graduates owe about $4,000 less than the typical Oregon political science student and roughly $3,300 below the national median. That's meaningful when your starting salary is around $36,000—the 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio means most graduates can realistically manage their loans while building toward those mid-career earnings. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings growth creates breathing room that many humanities graduates don't get.

For families weighing this program, the key question is patience: can you weather a modest starting salary knowing the four-year outlook improves substantially? The data suggests UO political science graduates find their footing professionally—whether in graduate school, public service, or private sector roles—faster than many peers. If your student is committed to this field, the debt load won't handcuff their early career, and the growth trajectory justifies the initial investment.