Political Science and Government at Willamette University

Willamette's political science program starts graduates at $35,162—slightly below both Oregon's median ($36,022) and the national average, landing in the 40th percentile statewide. With only small cohort data available, these numbers deserve caution, but the trajectory tells an interesting story: earnings jump 67% by year four to nearly $59,000, suggesting graduates may be accessing career paths that take time to materialize. At a private university with a $1,339 average SAT score, this represents middling outcomes compared to state peers like Oregon State ($39,157) and Lewis & Clark ($38,784).

The debt picture is more favorable. At $21,331, graduates borrow about $3,000 less than Oregon's typical political science major and $2,200 less than the national median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 means manageable repayment in that first lean year, even before the significant earnings boost kicks in. For a private liberal arts college, keeping debt this modest matters.

The real question is whether the four-year earnings growth reflects genuine career progression or selection bias in this small sample. If your child is aiming for law school, grad school, or public service—common paths for political science majors—that first-year number is less concerning. But if they need immediate earning power, Oregon State's stronger starting salaries offer a more direct route, especially at in-state tuition rates.