Political Science and Government at Washington College

Washington College's political science graduates start modestly at $36,741—well below Maryland's median of $39,616 for this major—but show remarkable earnings growth, jumping to $59,500 by year four. That 62% increase suggests these graduates are finding career traction, though the small sample size (under 30 students) means these numbers could swing considerably year to year. Within Maryland's competitive market, this program ranks only in the 40th percentile, trailing not just Maryland-College Park but also schools like Towson and Frostburg State.

The $24,721 in median debt is reasonable and typical for Maryland political science programs, creating a manageable 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio in that crucial first year. By year four, when earnings nearly double, the financial picture looks much stronger. However, parents should recognize that the low starting salary requires graduates to either live frugally or have financial support during those initial years—a challenge compounded by Maryland's relatively high cost of living.

The key question is whether the strong four-year earnings justify a weaker start compared to other in-state options. If your child is confident about their career path and can weather lower initial pay, the trajectory is encouraging. But with limited data and stronger alternatives available at similar Maryland schools, this requires careful consideration of fit beyond just the numbers.