Political Science and Government at University of Denver

Denver, CO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,059/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #348 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 $684K $662K $590K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.8x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 42 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$237,360
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$144,148
39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,583
91% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Denver's Political Science and Government program produces graduates earning $38,059/yr — within striking distance of the $36,684 national average for this field.

The financial case is thin at 2.8x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Political Science and Government's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 14% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $38,059 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #348 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, University of Denver falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $72,583 show a 91% jump from the $38,059 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Denver

A 71% acceptance rate means University of Denver is accessible to most applicants, serving 6,059 students in Denver, CO. After financial aid, the average student pays $144,148 over four years — 39% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Denver →

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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science and Government at University of Denver?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science and Government. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Political Science and Government careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $589,894 in decade earnings vs $683,909 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →