Program Analysis
Graduates earn $45,175/yr, edging above the $36,684 national average for Political Science and Government — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
The financial case is thin at 2.1x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
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 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $25,700 represents roughly 7 months of the $45,175 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #399 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, Occidental College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $45,175 to $57,825 over five years — a 28% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.