Political Science and Government at Westmont College

A bachelor's in political science from Westmont comes with an estimated $23,313 in debt—about 33% higher than the California median for this degree. That's a meaningful difference when first-year earnings from comparable programs sit around $35,300, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66. While this ratio suggests the debt is manageable in absolute terms, Westmont students appear to be paying more for similar entry-level outcomes to what graduates from other California political science programs achieve.

The wider California landscape shows stark variation in early earnings—from Stanford's $59,000 to the statewide median of $35,300—suggesting that institutional prestige and networking matter considerably in this field. Westmont's 1367 average SAT and 80% admission rate place it in a competitive but not elite tier, which likely explains why estimated outcomes track closer to the state median than to top performers. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (19%) indicates a more affluent student body, which may cushion the impact of that higher debt burden through family support.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether Westmont's particular environment—small classes, faith-based community, Santa Barbara location—justifies paying a premium over comparable programs. The estimated figures suggest you're getting typical California political science outcomes at above-typical California costs for this degree. If those intangible factors matter significantly to your family, the numbers work. If maximizing early earnings potential is the priority, these estimates suggest looking elsewhere.