Political Science and Government at Westfield State University

Westfield State's political science program starts graduates at a modest $36,577, but earnings jump 27% by year four—solid growth that suggests graduates are finding their footing in the job market. The debt load of $24,783 is reasonable, translating to a 0.68 ratio against first-year earnings that's better than many liberal arts programs.

The challenge is context. While this program performs slightly above the national median, it lags behind Massachusetts competitors, landing in the 40th percentile statewide. That gap matters when elite programs like Tufts and Harvard place graduates at $60,000+. Still, not every family can access those options, and Westfield serves a more economically diverse population (33% Pell recipients) at a significantly lower price point. The earnings trajectory suggests that with time, graduates close some of that initial gap.

For families seeking an affordable path to political science in Massachusetts, this delivers a workable outcome—especially if career services can help students leverage the strong regional network and job market. Just understand you're trading early earnings potential for manageable debt and the opportunity for growth, not immediate salary competitiveness with the state's elite institutions.