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Political Science and Government at Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,206/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #323 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	$468K	$470K	$446K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.6x	13.7x	13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.2x	5.3x	5.0x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	44	41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$34,272

Out-of-state: $89,136 (5.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$40,104

-17% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,930

9.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$42,765

21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,206/yr, roughly in line with the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 13.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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 $26,930 against $35,206/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #323 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Tennessee State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 21% earnings increase from $35,206 to $42,765 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 6,498 students in Nashville, TN. 52% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Tennessee 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

Other Majors at Tennessee State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Tennessee State University?

At 44/100, 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 Tennessee 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 →