Political Science and Government at University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg

The standout feature here isn't where Pitt-Greensburg political science grads start—it's where they go. That 46% earnings jump from $35,390 to $51,632 over four years signals that graduates are successfully converting their degrees into career advancement, which matters more than landing an impressive first job out of college. This growth trajectory compensates for starting slightly below Pennsylvania's median of $37,534 for political science programs.

The debt situation looks manageable at $25,900, translating to a 0.73 ratio against first-year earnings—meaning graduates owe less than one year's salary. This falls well below typical political science debt levels both nationally and statewide. While this program doesn't compete with Penn or Lehigh graduates who start at $50,000+, it serves a different mission: providing an accessible path (98% admission rate, reasonable cost) to a degree that demonstrably opens doors over time.

The practical calculation: your child would graduate with moderate debt, likely face a modest-paying first job, but historical data shows substantial earning power by their mid-20s. The robust sample size makes these patterns reliable. This works for families prioritizing steady career development over immediate salary payoff, particularly if keeping debt under control matters more than starting salary prestige.