Political Science and Government at University of the District of Columbia

UDC's political science graduates earn nearly $50,000 a year out of the gate—40% more than the national median for this degree and competitive with Georgetown and GW graduates who likely paid far more in tuition. The catch? This data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so it might not represent everyone's experience. Still, the location advantage is real: studying politics and government in the nation's capital opens doors that other states simply can't match.

The debt picture requires more nuance. At $36,562, graduates carry more than the typical political science major nationwide, though it's actually typical for DC schools. With 43% of students receiving Pell grants, many are first-generation or lower-income students investing in upward mobility. The 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than a year's salary—manageable if those early earnings hold steady and they pursue careers in government or policy where DC offers unmatched opportunities.

For families considering this program, the real question is career trajectory. If your child wants to work in federal government, advocacy, or policy—fields where DC location matters enormously—these numbers suggest solid value despite higher debt. The small sample size means you should talk to actual alumni, but the combination of strong early earnings and DC's job market makes this worth serious consideration for students committed to politics or government work.