Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $30,771/yr fall 16% below the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
With a 13.6x 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 $30,771/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #207 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The $30,771-to-$66,283 earnings arc over five years reflects a 115% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.