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Political Science and Government at Augustana University

Sioux Falls, SD · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $46,646/yr (27% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #335 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	$511K	$509K	$475K
Earnings Multiple	3.3x	3.2x	3.0x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	43	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$156,760

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$98,892

37% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,625

6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,014

12% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $46,646 put Augustana University's Political Science and Government program 27% above the national median of $36,684 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,625 debt-to-$46,646 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #335 out of 521 programs, Augustana University's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $46,646 to $52,014 over five years (12% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Augustana University

A 59% admission rate makes Augustana University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a smaller student body of 1,818 in Sioux Falls, SD. The average net cost of $98,892 over four years represents a 37% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Augustana 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

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Augustana University's Political Science and Government program score?

This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Political Science and Government. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →