Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $33,947 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.
The 17.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $17,653 debt-to-$33,947 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #134 out of 521 programs, University of New Mexico-Main Campus's Political Science and Government offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $33,947 to $57,569 over five years (70% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.