Political Science and Government

Bachelor's degree · Vanderbilt University · Nashville, TN

CIP 45.10

$46,843Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$102,789Median earnings 4 years after
$92,330Median earnings 5 years after
$14,000Median federal debt
130Graduates per year

How this program compares

Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Political Science and Government at Vanderbilt University earn a median of $46,843 one year after completing the program. Nationally, bachelor's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $63,293 four years after graduating (middle half: $44,760–$85,406). Median debt is $14,000, about 30% of first-year earnings – a manageable level by common guidelines.

Political Science and Government (Bachelor's degree) at other Tennessee schools

CollegeEarnings (1 yr)Median debt
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga
$39,490$21,250
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City
$37,594$21,500
Rhodes College
Memphis
$35,537$26,500
Tennessee State University
Nashville
$35,206$26,930
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville
$34,635$20,500
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville
$34,105—
The University of the South
Sewanee
$31,831$24,267
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro
$31,012$19,875
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville
$29,728$20,500
University of Memphis
Memphis
$27,600$20,500

Highest-paying Political Science and Government programs nationwide →

Other programs at Vanderbilt University

Frequently asked questions

How much do Political Science and Government graduates from Vanderbilt University make?

The median salary is $46,843 one year after graduation and $92,330 after five years.

How much student debt do graduates have?

Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $14,000.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.