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Political Science and Government at Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,157/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #160 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 50%

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 $572K $563K $515K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.6x 10.4x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 52 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,976
Out-of-state: $142,656 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,272
-45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,286
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,150
51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,157 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Oregon State University earn slightly above the $36,684 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 10.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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 $22,286 against $39,157/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #160 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Oregon State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $39,157-to-$59,150 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Oregon State University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Oregon State University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 29,557 in Corvallis, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University →

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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Other Majors at Oregon State University

Computer Science ($85,376) Construction Engineering ($80,936) Industrial Engineering ($78,425) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,636) Manufacturing Engineering ($72,154) Chemical Engineering ($71,618) Engineering, Other ($71,549) Civil Engineering ($70,635)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Oregon State University?
At 52/100, Oregon State University's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Oregon State University?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →