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Political Science and Government at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,063/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #347 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 $732K $705K $622K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,005
105% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,063/yr, roughly in line with the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 15% 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.

With first-year pay of $38,063 far exceeding the $12,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #347 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places University of Southern California in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $38,063-to-$78,005 earnings arc over five years reflects a 105% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California's 10% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving a student body of 20,817 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Computer Science ($137,284) Computer Software and Media Applications ($103,071) Real Estate ($98,763) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($89,684) Industrial Engineering ($87,807) Civil Engineering ($85,262) Mechanical Engineering ($83,356) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($80,508)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University of Southern California?
At 42/100, 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 University of Southern California?
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.
What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at University of Southern California?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $272,948. At a net cost of $127,708, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →