Political Science and Government at Wagner College

A debt load of $23,500 for first-year earnings around $35,000 puts this program right at typical levels for political science degrees nationally, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 that suggests manageable repayment. Based on comparable programs across New York, this earning potential sits at the state median—a realistic outcome for most political science graduates, though well below what elite institutions like Columbia or Cornell produce ($60,000+). The field's strength lies more in what comes after those first years than in immediate post-graduation salaries.

The challenge is that these figures are estimates drawn from peer programs rather than Wagner's actual outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about how this specific program performs. Political science is also a credential that often serves as a stepping stone to law school, graduate programs, or government positions that develop over time rather than immediately after graduation. For families concerned about job readiness straight out of college, the $35,000 starting point means entry-level roles in nonprofits, campaign work, or administrative positions—not necessarily careers that justify the investment on their own.

The takeaway: if your child plans to leverage this degree toward graduate school or views it as foundational rather than terminal, the debt level won't hamstring those plans. But if the expectation is immediate career launch in politics or government, recognize that similar New York programs suggest a modest financial start that requires patience and additional credentials to reach higher earning potential.