Political Science and Government at American Public University System

Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
75
Optimistic
74
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $56,763/yr (55% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 20.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #1 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 1%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Political Science and Government graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $729K $702K $620K
Earnings Multiple 21.7x 20.9x 18.5x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 74 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$33,600
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,728
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,190
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $56,763 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from American Public University System significantly outpace the $36,684 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 20.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Political Science and Government programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Political Science and Government's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 15% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $21,728 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #1 of 521 Political Science and Government programs nationally, American Public University System sits in the top 1% — one of the strongest programs in the country by financial outcomes.

Five-year earnings of $87,190 show a 54% jump from the $56,763 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About American Public University System

serving a student body of 38,976 in Charles Town, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at American Public University System →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science and Government at American Public University System?
This program scores 74/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Political Science and Government nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Political Science and Government careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $619,953 in decade earnings vs $729,100 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes American Public University System's Political Science and Government program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 521 programs nationally, American Public University System lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →