Political Science and Government at Western Washington University

Western Washington's Political Science program starts graduates at just $27,217—roughly $13,000 below Washington's state median and landing in the bottom 10% of comparable programs statewide. That's a concerning figure given that nearby schools like Seattle University and UW produce graduates earning over $41,000 in their first year. The moderate debt load of $19,431 helps somewhat, but when initial earnings are this suppressed, even manageable debt becomes harder to service in those critical first years.

The 71% earnings jump by year four tells a more optimistic story, with graduates reaching $46,606 and suggesting delayed but meaningful career progression. However, this recovery pattern still leaves WWU grads trailing their peers at other Washington institutions who started much higher. For context, every top-ranked program in the state delivers first-year earnings at least $14,000 higher, giving those graduates a significant head start on loan repayment and savings.

Parents should recognize this as a financially challenging path, particularly for students who'll need to work immediately after graduation. If your child has compelling reasons to attend WWU specifically—say, proximity to home or a particular professor—the eventual earnings growth offers some reassurance. But if career preparation is the priority, the state data suggests stronger alternatives exist at schools producing graduates who don't spend their first three years playing catch-up.