Political Science and Government at University of Southern Maine

University of Southern Maine's political science graduates face a rough start—earning just $28,589 in their first year—but four years later, they're making $48,192, representing 69% growth. That trajectory sounds promising until you consider the context: even after this impressive jump, graduates still earn less than the state median ($41,055) and rank in the 10th percentile among Maine's political science programs. Nearby state flagship University of Maine graduates start higher and finish at $38,235, suggesting USM students spend years catching up to where peers begin.

The $19,212 in typical debt is manageable compared to national norms, but paired with that anemic first-year salary, new graduates face debt nearly 70% of their income—making those early years financially stressful. The 80th percentile debt ranking (meaning only 20% of programs nationally have higher debt) compounds the challenge. Maine's small liberal arts colleges—Bowdoin, Colby, Bates—produce political science graduates earning 20-110% more than USM, highlighting the state's wide opportunity gap.

For families considering this path, understand that you're banking on a long arc: your child will likely struggle financially for several years after graduation before reaching a middle-class income. If they can secure internships or enter graduate school rather than immediately entering the job market, the economics improve significantly. Otherwise, this is a degree that costs four years of college plus another four years of financial climbing.