Political Science and Government at Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,007/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #367 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 $656K $637K $571K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.1x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$206,864
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$140,784
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,766
86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,007/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from Loyola University Chicago land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 3.1x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,000 debt-to-$37,007 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #367 out of 521 programs, Loyola University Chicago's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $37,007 to $68,766 over five years (86% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Loyola University Chicago

With 81% of applicants admitted, Loyola University Chicago prioritizes broad access, enrolling 11,576 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $140,784 over four years represents a 32% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Loyola University Chicago →

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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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Loyola University Chicago's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Political Science and Government. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →