Political Science and Government at University of San Diego

University of San Diego's political science graduates start at $33,040—slightly below both state and national medians—but their earnings nearly double to $64,626 by year four. That 96% growth trajectory is remarkable for a social sciences degree and suggests the program, or its network, opens doors that compound over time. The relatively low debt burden of $26,000 means the challenging first year (0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio) becomes manageable quickly as salaries climb.

The catch is that first-year landing: USD ranks in just the 40th percentile among California political science programs, meaning most competitors place their graduates into better initial positions. You're paying a premium at a selective private university (47% admission rate, 19% Pell students) for what appears to be strong alumni networks or credential value that takes several years to materialize. Compare this to UC Berkeley graduates who start at $45,418, and the question becomes whether USD's eventual outcomes justify the slower launch.

For families comfortable bridging that first year financially—perhaps through parental support or living at home—the mid-career trajectory looks solid. But if your child needs immediate earnings to service their debt, this program's delayed payoff could create real stress before the picture brightens.