Political Science and Government at Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,578/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 25.6x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #49 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 10%

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 $645K $627K $564K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 26.3x 25.6x 23.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.2x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$24,472
Out-of-state: $100,648 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$41,276
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,600
87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Florida Gulf Coast University's Political Science and Government program produces graduates earning $35,578/yr — within striking distance of the $36,684 national average for this field.

With a 25.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% 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 $19,500 against $35,578/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #49 of 521 programs, this Political Science and Government program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $35,578-to-$66,600 earnings arc over five years reflects a 87% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Florida Gulf Coast University

A 77% acceptance rate means Florida Gulf Coast University is accessible to most applicants, serving 13,809 students in Fort Myers, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at Florida Gulf Coast 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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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 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Florida Gulf Coast University?
At 59/100, Florida Gulf Coast University's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Florida Gulf Coast 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 →