Political Science and Government at Wichita State University

Wichita State's political science program starts graduates nearly $5,500 below the national median, earning just $30,121 in their first year. While the debt load of $21,000 is actually lower than typical for this degree, first-year earnings trail not only the national average but also lag behind what graduates from University of Kansas and Kansas State earn. Among Kansas political science programs, this lands at the 40th percentile—essentially middle of the pack in-state, but well below the national standard.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 means graduates owe about 8.4 months of their first-year salary, which is manageable compared to many liberal arts degrees. The concern isn't crushing debt—it's whether these earnings will grow enough to justify the credential. Political science graduates often pursue graduate school or pivot to careers where the bachelor's serves as a foundation rather than a final credential. If your child needs the degree to work immediately and support themselves, these starting numbers pose real challenges.

The small sample size here matters significantly. With fewer than 30 graduates reporting, a few outliers could skew the picture considerably. For a family weighing this investment, the question comes down to post-graduation plans: if law school, public administration, or another graduate program is the goal, this affordable entry point might work. If immediate employment is the plan, understand that starting salaries will require careful budgeting, and your child may need to be strategic about launching their career.