Political Science and Government at Yeshiva University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 looks manageable on paper, but the underlying numbers tell a more complicated story for Yeshiva's political science program. Similar political science bachelor's degrees across New York suggest first-year earnings around $35,000 and debt loads near $23,500—figures that align with national medians for this major. What's striking is the gap between Yeshiva and New York's elite liberal arts programs: Columbia and Cornell graduates in this field earn nearly double what peer programs typically produce.

That gap matters because $35,000 in annual earnings translates to roughly $2,900 monthly before taxes—tight quarters when factoring in New York City's cost of living and student loan payments. Monthly debt payments on $23,500 would run about $260 over ten years, which is workable but leaves little room for the financial realities of launching a career in one of America's most expensive cities. Political science degrees often serve as springboards to graduate school or careers in law, government, or nonprofit work—paths that either delay higher earnings or require additional borrowing.

For families considering this investment: the estimated outcomes suggest typical performance for the major, neither exceptional nor alarming. But if your child is competitive enough for Yeshiva's 1410 average SAT, they might gain admission to programs with stronger early earnings trajectories. The real question is whether Yeshiva's specific community and resources justify accepting typical outcomes at a price point that requires careful financial planning.