Political Science and Government at Western Illinois University
Master's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Political Science and Government masters's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (14 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Illinois University | $60,055* | $43,888 | — | — |
| University of Illinois Springfield | $52,565* | — | — | — |
| National Median | $60,055* | — | — | — |
Other Political Science and Government Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Springfield Springfield | $12,252 | $52,565 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Western Illinois University, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 17 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.