Harvard University — Cambridge, MA

Political Science and Government

at Harvard University · Cambridge, MA

Exceptional Value

Go for it

🎓

Common Pre-Law Major

Many political science graduates attend law school or pursue advanced policy degrees. Earnings data may not reflect long-term career trajectories.

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $58,808/yr starting out — that's 96% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 2.5 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $16,816/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $72,366 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$82,842/yr

Starting Salary

$58,808

Finish Rate

97.3%

Cost

$82,842/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $16,816/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $66,026/yr)

4 Years Total

$331,368

Typical Debt

$14,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$5,102

What You'd Really Pay

$72,366

That's about $159/month for 10 years after you graduate

What 10 Years Looks Like

You'd earn (with degree)$588,080

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$72,366

Pays for Itself In

2.5 yrs

Salary Boost

+96%

Ahead After 10 Years

$515,714

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed24.3/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost12.8/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate14.6/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.