Political Science and Government at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pitt's political science graduates start slow but build momentum rapidly. That $35,390 first-year salary sits below Pennsylvania's median for the major, placing this program in just the 40th percentile statewide. But four years later, those same graduates are earning $51,632—a 46% jump that outpaces typical career trajectories. The debt load of $25,900 is manageable, with graduates owing less than three-quarters of their starting salary.

Here's what's happening: many Pitt political science grads likely enter lower-paying entry positions in government, nonprofits, or campaign work, then transition into better-compensated roles as they gain experience and networks. This isn't unusual for the field, but parents should understand their child may need financial support or modest living arrangements in those first couple years. The gap between Pitt's outcomes and elite Pennsylvania programs like Penn ($65,473) or Lehigh ($53,632) is substantial, though Pitt's debt burden is similar or lower.

The value proposition here depends on what comes after graduation. If your child plans to pursue law school, policy grad programs, or other professional degrees—common paths for political science majors—those early earnings matter less than the preparation quality. If they're entering the workforce directly, brace for a slower financial start but recognize the earning trajectory improves considerably. At this debt level and with that growth curve, it's a reasonable investment if your student has clear post-graduation goals.