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Political Science and Government at Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $43,547/yr (19% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 15.1x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #125 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 25%

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	$496K	$496K	$465K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.1x	15.1x	14.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.2x	6.2x	5.8x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	54	53	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)

$32,760

Out-of-state: $80,280 (6.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,204

-69% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,000

4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$45,674

5% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,547 at Sonoma State University come in 19% above the national median of $36,684 for Political Science and Government programs.

With a 15.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% 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.

With first-year pay of $43,547 far exceeding the $15,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Sonoma State University ranks #125 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About Sonoma State University

Sonoma State University accepts 95% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 5,374 students in Rohnert Park, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Sonoma 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

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Sonoma State University?

At 53/100, Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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.

Is Sonoma State University one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?

Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, Sonoma State University's #125 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →