Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $21,358/yr fall 42% below the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 3.2x 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 13% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $27,000 against $21,358/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.3 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
Ranked #517 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, Luther College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $56,840 show a 166% jump from the $21,358 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.