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Political Science and Government at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
41
Optimistic
41
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,531/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #366 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 $608K $594K $539K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 41 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$177,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,564
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,449
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,180
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,531/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from DePaul University land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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 $22,449 against $37,531/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #366 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places DePaul University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $37,531-to-$63,180 earnings arc over five years reflects a 68% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About DePaul University

With 74% of applicants admitted, DePaul University prioritizes broad access, serving 14,283 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $116,564 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at DePaul 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

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 DePaul University

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($84,066) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($79,863) Computer Programming ($72,234) Accounting and Related Services ($69,250) Management Information Systems and Services ($68,769) Finance and Financial Management Services ($66,863) Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications ($61,482) Information Science/Studies ($60,468)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at DePaul University?
At 41/100, 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 DePaul 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 →