Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $31,700 track close to the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 12.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $21,500 debt-to-$31,700 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #243 out of 521 programs, Old Dominion University's Political Science and Government offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $31,700 to $61,293 over five years (93% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.