Home › Augustana College › Political Science and Government

Political Science and Government at Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,626/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #444 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

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 $595K $583K $531K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,336
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,748
75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,666
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,626/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from Augustana College land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 2.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 11% 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 $27,000 against $35,626/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #444 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Augustana College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,626-to-$60,666 earnings arc over five years reflects a 70% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Augustana College

Augustana College accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 2,418 students in Rock Island, IL. The average net cost of $49,748 over four years represents a 75% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Augustana College →

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 Augustana College

Computer Science ($74,745) Accounting and Related Services ($62,149) Engineering Physics ($54,165) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($50,210) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,517) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($45,145) Communication and Media Studies ($40,806) Geography and Cartography ($40,683)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Augustana College?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Augustana College?
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.
What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at Augustana College?
The 75% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $199,336. At a net cost of $49,748, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →