Political Science and Government at University of Washington-Bothell Campus

UW Bothell's political science program offers something rare: exceptional earning potential with remarkably low debt. At just $14,000 in median debt—less than half the national average for this major—graduates are avoiding the crushing burden that makes many liberal arts degrees risky investments. That 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio means students could theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of work, an almost unheard-of scenario for a political science degree.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. While the first-year salary of $41,246 sits near the state median, it climbs to $55,874 by year four—a 36% jump that outpaces both national and state averages. This program ranks in the 78th percentile nationally for earnings, suggesting graduates are landing jobs that actually use their degree rather than settling for generic entry-level work. Among Washington's 16 political science programs, UW Bothell holds steady in the middle of the pack for earnings while dominating on the debt side.

For parents worried about their child majoring in political science—often considered an impractical choice—this program flips the script. The combination of UW's credibility, Bothell's lower cost structure, and access to the Seattle metropolitan job market creates a genuinely practical pathway. Your student gets a respected degree without the financial handcuffs that typically come with studying politics and government.