Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (21 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of South Alabama$32,106
Troy University$46,279$51,956$27,8740.60
University of Alabama at Birmingham$34,474$52,157$23,2500.67
The University of Alabama$32,699$50,056$23,7850.73
Auburn University$32,228$62,091$23,7000.74
Tuskegee University$16,884
National Median$35,627$23,5000.66

Other Political Science and Government Programs in Alabama

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Troy University
Troy
$9,792$46,279$27,874
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham
$8,832$34,474$23,250
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa
$11,900$32,699$23,785
Auburn University
Auburn
$12,536$32,228$23,700
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee
$23,440$16,884

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of South Alabama, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.