Compare 135 Political Economy. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $47,763.
The highest-earning Political Economy program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $21K earnings gap across 135 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
University of Chicago's Political Economy program leads with graduates earning $78,986, followed by Northwestern at $71,052. But the real story is Bradley University at #3 with $68,838—a smaller school with 77% acceptance rate competing directly with elite institutions on outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Chicago graduates borrow $15,000 and face just a 3.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | $78,986 | 106 | $15,000 | Excellent | $33,297 | Manageable |
| #2 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $71,052 | 121 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Manageable |
| #3 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $68,838 | 20 | $27,000 | Excellent | $41,405 | Challenging |
| #4 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $68,814 | 181 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Challenging |
| #5 | University Of DaytonPrivate | $66,090 | 40 | $23,250 | Excellent | $43,810 | Challenging |
| #6 | $65,311 | 320 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $63,542 | 259 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Challenging | |
| #8 | Simpson CollegePrivate | $62,268 | 10 | $26,000 | Good | $23,702 | Challenging |
| #9 | $62,098 | 29 | $23,199 | Good | $14,621 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $61,726 | 119 | $23,250 | Good | $37,401 | Challenging | |
| #11 | Depauw UniversityPrivate | $60,137 | 20 | $27,000 | Good | $35,134 | Challenging |
| #12 | Drake UniversityPrivate | $59,948 | 21 | $23,000 | Good | $26,000 | Challenging |
| #13 | $59,857 | 73 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Challenging | |
| #14 | Denison UniversityPrivate | $59,094 | 30 | $26,000 | Good | $45,521 | High |
| #15 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | $58,590 | 127 | $24,157 | Good | $54,045 | High |
| #16 | Marquette UniversityPrivate | $58,230 | 81 | $23,940 | Good | $45,500 | High |
| #17 | Valparaiso UniversityPrivate | $58,168 | 24 | $26,942 | Good | $28,500 | Challenging |
| #18 | Saint Johns UniversityPrivate | $57,939 | 19 | $27,000 | Good | $32,000 | Challenging |
| #19 | North Central CollegePrivate | $57,848 | 17 | $24,500 | Good | $30,000 | Challenging |
| #20 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | $57,775 | 206 | $23,000 | Good | $34,512 | Challenging |
| #21 | $57,749 | 289 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Challenging | |
| #22 | $57,664 | 149 | $20,500 | Good | $32,529 | Challenging | |
| #23 | $57,402 | 21 | $23,250 | Good | $18,000 | Manageable | |
| #24 | Wabash CollegePrivate | $56,880 | 27 | $27,000 | Good | $28,000 | Challenging |
| #25 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $56,647 | 44 | $21,250 | Good | $27,283 | Challenging |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
