Political Science and Government at University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
57
Optimistic
56
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $56,022/yr (53% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #75 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 $741K $713K $628K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.7x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 56 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$267,756
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,868
72% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$88,531
58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $56,022 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from University of Chicago significantly outpace the $36,684 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 2.7x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $18,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #75 out of 521 programs, University of Chicago's Political Science and Government program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $56,022 to $88,531 over five years (58% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Chicago

With just 5% of applicants admitted, University of Chicago ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving 7,540 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $75,868 over four years represents a 72% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Chicago →

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 University of Chicago

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

How does University of Chicago's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 56/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Political Science and Government graduates.
How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Chicago rank so high for Political Science and Government?
The #75 ranking out of 521 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is Political Science and Government at University of Chicago after financial aid?
Sticker price is $267,756, but the average net cost is $75,868 — a 72% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →