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Political Science and Government at University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $45,112/yr (23% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 15.0x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #23 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 5%

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	$566K	$558K	$512K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.2x	15.0x	13.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.7x	4.7x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	62	61	57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,260

Out-of-state: $119,348 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$52,688

-41% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,062

4.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$60,348

34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $45,112/yr, edging above the $36,684 national average for Political Science and Government — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 15.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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 $18,062 in median debt against $45,112 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of Utah ranks #23 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 34% earnings increase from $45,112 to $60,348 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Utah

University of Utah has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 26,041 students in Salt Lake City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Utah →

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 Utah

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University of Utah?

At 61/100, University of Utah'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 Utah?

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.

Is University of Utah one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?

Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, University of Utah's #23 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →