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Political Science and Government at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,783/yr (-8% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #324 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	$519K	$516K	$480K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.3x	11.3x	10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.6x	5.6x	5.2x
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)

$45,800

Out-of-state: $92,840 (5.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,752

-44% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,231

7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,969

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Texas State University's Political Science and Government program produces graduates earning $33,783/yr — within striking distance of the $36,684 national average for this field.

With a 11.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $20,231 against $33,783/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #324 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Texas State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 48% earnings increase from $33,783 to $49,969 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Texas State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Texas State University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 34,547 students in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas 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 Texas State University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Texas 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 Texas 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 →