Political Science and Government at Westminster University

With four Political Science bachelor's programs in Utah, earnings hover in a fairly tight band—and Westminster's estimated $41,700 first-year figure, based on that state median, puts it right in the middle. That's above the national typical outcome of $35,600, though it trails the state's flagship programs at BYU and the University of Utah by several thousand dollars. The estimated debt load of $24,600 (derived from similar private institutions nationally) means graduates would face monthly payments around $270 on a standard plan—manageable but meaningful on an income just over $40,000.

The challenge with Westminster specifically is that we're working entirely with peer program estimates rather than this school's actual outcomes. The state's median debt for Political Science programs is $18,000, suggesting Westminster's private school premium may add considerable cost compared to public alternatives. Utah Valley, for instance, produces similar first-year earnings but likely at lower debt levels. That matters because Political Science careers often require graduate degrees for advancement, making undergraduate debt particularly consequential.

If your child is committed to Political Science and drawn to Westminster's campus environment, the estimated numbers don't scream warning signs—the debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.6 is workable. But push the school's financial aid office for concrete graduate outcomes data, and seriously compare net costs against Utah's public options where you can see actual results.