Political Science and Government at University of the Pacific

A $35,000 first-year salary from comparable California political science programs puts this degree squarely at the median—neither standout nor worrisome relative to similar offerings statewide. What complicates the picture is the estimated $23,313 in debt, which sits well above California's $17,500 median for political science bachelor's degrees. That 33% premium on borrowing means University of the Pacific students likely face a tougher financial start than peers at many other in-state programs, even with identical earnings trajectories.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 suggests manageable but not comfortable repayment in those crucial early years when political science graduates are often working entry-level nonprofit, government, or campaign positions. Similar programs across California show wide earnings variation—from Stanford's $59,000 to the $35,000 cluster where Pacific appears to land—so the credential itself doesn't guarantee economic security. Pacific's 95% admission rate and solid SAT scores indicate accessible quality education, but parents should recognize they're paying a financing premium compared to most California alternatives.

If your student is committed to political science and Pacific specifically, the numbers work—but barely. The higher-than-typical debt means less flexibility for unpaid internships or graduate school immediately after graduation. Consider whether Pacific's specific opportunities (location, network, or programs) justify borrowing roughly $6,000 more than the state norm for similar economic outcomes.