Political Science and Government at Wayne State College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 puts this program in reasonable territory, though the underlying figures come from peer institutions rather than Wayne State's own graduates. Based on comparable political science programs in Nebraska, first-year earnings hover around $35,300, which aligns closely with the national median for this degree. The estimated debt of about $23,000 is manageable—graduates would face monthly payments around $260 on a standard 10-year plan, consuming roughly 9% of their gross monthly income.

The challenge is that political science bachelor's degrees typically require additional credentials or specialized skills to unlock higher earnings potential. Programs at Nebraska's larger universities show similar outcomes, with UNL graduates earning just $1,000 more annually. This suggests the field itself, rather than the specific institution, drives the earnings ceiling. The degree often serves as a stepping stone to law school, graduate programs, or public service careers where entry-level salaries don't tell the full story.

Without program-specific data, you're making an informed guess rather than evaluating proven outcomes. If your child is committed to political science and planning for graduate school or has clear career goals in government or nonprofit work, the modest debt load makes this a defensible choice. If they're uncertain about next steps after graduation or expecting the bachelor's degree alone to launch a lucrative career, that $35,000 starting salary deserves serious consideration against the actual cost of attendance.