Political Science and Government at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

UW-Oshkosh political science graduates earn $42,366 in their first year—nearly $7,000 above the national median for this degree and essentially matching UW-Madison's outcomes despite Madison's far more selective admissions. This places Oshkosh in the 82nd percentile nationally, a strong showing for a regional university. Within Wisconsin, the program sits at the 60th percentile, performing respectably against 23 competitors including larger flagship campuses.

The debt picture reinforces the value: at $25,015, graduates carry slightly more than state and national medians but face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59. That means less than seven months of first-year salary to cover total debt—well below problematic thresholds. The combination of competitive earnings and reasonable debt creates a solid foundation for recent graduates, whether they're entering government work, nonprofits, or pursuing additional education.

The caveat here matters: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift substantially year to year. But the pattern suggests UW-Oshkosh delivers comparable career outcomes to Wisconsin's top programs at a more accessible price point. For families prioritizing practical return on a political science degree, this represents a sensible in-state option.