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Political Science and Government at Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,358/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 9.4x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #285 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	$560K	$552K	$507K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.6x	9.4x	8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.7x	6.6x	6.1x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	46	43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$58,512

Out-of-state: $83,280 (6.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$68,384

-17% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,250

7.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,023

58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,358/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from Grand Valley State University land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 9.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 9% 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 $23,250 against $35,358/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #285 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Grand Valley State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,358-to-$56,023 earnings arc over five years reflects a 58% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Grand Valley State University

With 95% of applicants admitted, Grand Valley State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 19,073 in Allendale, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Grand Valley State 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 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Grand Valley State University?

At 46/100, 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 Grand Valley State 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 →