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Political Science and Government at Rhodes College

Memphis, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,537/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #337 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 $744K $715K $630K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$219,568
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$100,240
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,515
118% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Rhodes College's Political Science and Government program produces graduates earning $35,537/yr — within striking distance of the $36,684 national average for this field.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 15% 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 $26,500 against $35,537/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #337 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Rhodes College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,537-to-$77,515 earnings arc over five years reflects a 118% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Rhodes College

Rhodes College's 50% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,931 students in Memphis, TN. The average net cost of $100,240 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Rhodes College →

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 Rhodes College

Computer Science ($60,225) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($58,550) Economics ($57,814) Psychology, General ($37,563) Neurobiology and Neurosciences ($35,556) History ($29,279) Biology, General ($28,901) International Relations and National Security Studies ($23,835)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Rhodes College?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Rhodes College?
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.
What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at Rhodes College?
The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $219,568. At a net cost of $100,240, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →