Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $36,006 track close to the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.1x 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 10% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $26,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $36,006 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #210 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, Central Michigan University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $59,821 show a 66% jump from the $36,006 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.