Political Science and Government at Wilberforce University

A $26,000 debt load combined with estimated first-year earnings around $37,000—figures drawn from comparable political science programs across Ohio—suggests this program aligns closely with typical outcomes for the major. The 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within a manageable range, though it's worth noting that Ohio's political science programs show significant variation: top performers like Miami University see graduates earning $46,000+ in their first year, nearly $10,000 more than what similar programs typically produce.

The estimation here reflects a practical challenge: Wilberforce's political science cohorts are too small for the Department of Education to report specific outcomes. What we do know is that three-quarters of Wilberforce students receive Pell grants, suggesting many families arrive with limited financial cushion. For those students, even moderate debt becomes more consequential when first-year earnings hover in the mid-$30,000s, particularly if they're not immediately securing positions in government or advocacy organizations where political science degrees carry more weight.

For families weighing this investment, the key question isn't whether these estimated figures look reasonable on paper—they do—but whether this specific program prepares graduates to beat the state median rather than merely match it. Without actual outcome data from Wilberforce itself, you're relying on the university's career services, internship networks, and alumni connections to bridge that gap.