Political Science and Government at University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison's political science graduates earn substantially more than typical poli sci majors—$42,063 right after graduation, which beats 81% of similar programs nationwide. More importantly, earnings jump 34% by year four to reach $56,465, showing graduates are finding career paths with real advancement potential. The $22,000 in median debt is manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.52, meaning graduates owe about half what they earn in their first year.

The state picture adds nuance: while Madison ranks in the 60th percentile among Wisconsin's 23 political science programs, this primarily reflects the strong overall quality of UW System schools. Madison essentially ties with UW-Oshkosh for the top spot, and both significantly outperform most alternatives. The fact that a flagship public university delivers these results while charging reasonable tuition makes the proposition even stronger than the raw rankings suggest.

For families considering political science—often dismissed as impractical—this data shows Madison graduates build legitimate careers. The earnings trajectory matters more than the starting point here. Graduates aren't just treading water; they're leveraging a respected degree into roles with growth potential. Between manageable debt and solid career momentum, this represents a sensible choice for students genuinely interested in politics, policy, or adjacent fields.