Political Science and Government at Wilkes University

In Pennsylvania, political science programs produce wide-ranging outcomes, from the $65,000+ earned by Penn graduates to figures closer to the state median of $37,500. For Wilkes, we're working with estimated figures drawn from 28 similar programs across Pennsylvania, suggesting first-year earnings around that state median with debt near $26,000. That 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio falls in reasonable territory—graduates would need to allocate roughly 16% of gross income over four years to clear the debt, assuming stable earnings.

The challenge here is location and opportunity. Wilkes-Barre isn't Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, where political science graduates typically find more robust entry points into government, nonprofits, or private sector roles that value policy analysis. The $37,500 estimate reflects what peer programs across Pennsylvania produce, but individual outcomes depend heavily on internship quality, networking, and willingness to relocate. With a 91% admission rate and modest SAT averages, Wilkes draws students who may need more active career services support to compete for positions that lift earnings above baseline.

The estimated debt load won't sink anyone, but it won't propel them either. If your child is set on political science and Wilkes offers the right campus culture or financial package beyond this median debt figure, it could work. Just know you're betting on their hustle to beat the middle-of-the-pack trajectory these estimates suggest, not on a credential that opens doors automatically.