Political Science and Government at Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,915/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #478 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 $761K $730K $641K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.4x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$145,484
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,494
9.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,779
167% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,915 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Gonzaga University earn below the $36,684 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 3.4x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

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 16% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,494 represents roughly 10 months of the $26,915 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #478 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, Gonzaga University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $71,779 show a 167% jump from the $26,915 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Gonzaga University

With 76% of applicants admitted, Gonzaga University prioritizes broad access, serving 5,098 students in Spokane, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $145,484 — 32% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Gonzaga 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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science and Government at Gonzaga University?
A score of 33/100 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 $641,204 in decade earnings vs $761,050 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Political Science and Government from Gonzaga University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →