Political Science and Government at Chapman University

Orange, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,124/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #383 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 $735K $706K $624K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.8x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$251,136
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$190,108
24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,190
117% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,124/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from Chapman University land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 15% 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 $20,500 against $35,124/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #383 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Chapman University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,124-to-$76,190 earnings arc over five years reflects a 117% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Chapman University

Chapman University accepts 56% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 7,629 students in Orange, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Chapman 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 Chapman University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Chapman University?
At 40/100, 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 Chapman 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 →