Political Science and Government at University of Portland

The small sample size here is a genuine concern, but the signal is troubling: University of Portland political science graduates earn $23,017 in their first year—about $13,000 less than the state median and nearly $17,000 below top Oregon programs like Oregon State. This program ranks in just the 10th percentile statewide, meaning 90% of Oregon political science programs show better early earnings outcomes.

The debt picture adds urgency to these concerns. At $24,250, graduates carry roughly manageable debt in absolute terms, but when your first-year earnings barely exceed what you borrowed, you're facing a steep financial climb. Other Oregon programs show it's possible to do better—Portland State graduates earn $35,173 with similar debt loads, and University of Oregon hits the state median of $36,022.

These numbers may reflect a few unusual graduate circumstances rather than a systemic problem—that's the risk with small samples. But they're consistent enough with the broader pattern (95% admission rate, relatively affluent student body at 19% Pell) to suggest graduates may be taking unpaid internships or non-traditional paths that delay earnings. If your child is considering this program, you'll want direct conversations with the department about typical first-job placements and whether recent grads are pursuing graduate school or public service roles that explain the earnings gap.