Political Science and Government at California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,061/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #449 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 $570K $561K $514K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$105,732
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,750
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,657
60% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $36,061/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from California Lutheran University land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The financial case is thin at 2.8x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,750 represents roughly 7 months of the $36,061 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #449 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, California Lutheran University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $57,657 show a 60% jump from the $36,061 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California Lutheran University

With 89% of applicants admitted, California Lutheran University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,374 students in Thousand Oaks, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $105,732 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at California Lutheran 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

Other Majors at California Lutheran University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science and Government at California Lutheran University?
A score of 35/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science and Government. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $514,077 in decade earnings vs $569,919 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →