Analysis
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.
Where Westfield State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Westfield State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westfield State University | $36,577 | $46,487 | +27% |
| Harvard University | $61,543 | $89,043 | +45% |
| Williams College | $56,817 | $79,779 | +40% |
| College of the Holy Cross | $47,029 | $68,772 | +46% |
| Wellesley College | $50,214 | $65,958 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Westfield State UniversityWestfield | $11,882 | $36,577 | $46,487 | $24,783 | 0.68 |
 Tufts UniversityMedford | $67,844 | $67,713 | $65,957 | $17,725 | 0.26 |
 Harvard UniversityCambridge | $59,076 | $61,543 | $89,043 | — | — |
 Amherst CollegeAmherst | $67,280 | $61,125 | $59,433 | — | — |
 Williams CollegeWilliamstown | $64,860 | $56,817 | $79,779 | $10,750 | 0.19 |
 Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBoston | — | $52,516 | $65,006 | $22,579 | 0.43 |
| National Median | — | $35,627 | — | $23,500 | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates
Political Scientists
Economists
Environmental Economists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
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 Westfield State University, approximately 33% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 42 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.