Political Science and Government at University of Puget Sound

University of Puget Sound's political science graduates start significantly behind their Washington peers—earning $31,290 in their first year compared to the state median of $40,175. That's a $9,000 gap that puts this program in the bottom quarter statewide, trailing nearby competitors like Pacific Lutheran and the University of Washington by roughly $10,000. While the program carries slightly less debt than the national average ($22,801 vs. $23,500), that's cold comfort when initial earnings are this low.

The positive story here is momentum: earnings jump 39% by year four, reaching $43,408. That growth trajectory eventually pulls graduates past the state median and positions them competitively with other Washington programs. The question is whether your family can weather those lean early years, especially if your student carries the full debt load.

For a selective liberal arts college (SAT of 1332, just 17% Pell-eligible), these outcomes raise questions about return on investment. The slow start likely reflects the reality of political science as a field—many graduates need time to transition into higher-paying careers in government, nonprofits, or eventually graduate school. If your student is committed to this path and has family support to cushion the initial years, the trajectory improves. But families banking on immediate financial independence after graduation should consider in-state public options that deliver stronger starting salaries.