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Political Science and Government at American University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,034/yr (31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #147 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 50%

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 $694K $671K $597K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.0x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 52 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$226,172
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$167,780
26% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,954
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of American University's Political Science and Government program earn $48,034/yr in their first year — 31% above the $36,684 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Political Science and Government career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,250 in median debt against $48,034 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #147 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places American University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $48,034-to-$78,954 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About American University

With a 47% acceptance rate, American University is moderately selective, serving 7,593 students in Washington, DC.

See all programs and financial aid at American University →

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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Other Majors at American University

Finance and Financial Management Services ($83,505) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($58,299) Economics ($58,151) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($55,625) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($50,026) International Relations and National Security Studies ($47,551) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($46,780) Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies ($46,206)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at American University?
At 52/100, American University's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at American University?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →