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Political Science and Government at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,635/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #445 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 $547K $541K $499K
Earnings Multiple 10.3x 10.2x 9.4x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,976
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,708
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,594
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,172
88% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,635 place Southern Illinois University-Carbondale below the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $23,594 against $26,635/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #445 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,635-to-$50,172 earnings arc over five years reflects a 88% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 8,116 students in Carbondale, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale →

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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Fire Protection ($104,017) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($73,283) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($72,495) Computer Science ($70,053) Mechanical Engineering ($69,454) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($69,021) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($68,670) Civil Engineering ($65,269)

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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
At 36/100, 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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale a good choice for Political Science and Government despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →