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Political Science and Government at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $37,360/yr (2% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 10.7x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #181 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 50%

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	$591K	$579K	$528K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.9x	10.7x	9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	4.7x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	52	51	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)

$54,280

Out-of-state: $122,328 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$92,624

-71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,359

6.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$60,894

63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,360 track close to the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 10.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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 $20,359 against $37,360/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #181 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places University of Cincinnati-Main Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $37,360-to-$60,894 earnings arc over five years reflects a 63% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus has a 88% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 29,094 students in Cincinnati, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus →

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 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus?

At 51/100, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus'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 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus?

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 →