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Political Science and Government at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,246/yr (12% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #45 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 10%

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	$633K	$617K	$556K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.5x	12.2x	11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.8x	3.7x	3.3x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	60	59	55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,572

Out-of-state: $167,988 (3.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$53,940

-7% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,290

3.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$68,104

65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,246/yr, edging above the $36,684 national average for Political Science and Government — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 12.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% 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 $13,290 in median debt against $41,246 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #45 of 521 programs, this Political Science and Government program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $41,246-to-$68,104 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Washington-Seattle Campus

With a 43% acceptance rate, University of Washington-Seattle Campus is moderately selective, serving a student body of 31,588 in Seattle, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Washington-Seattle 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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Explore the Trade Alternative

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 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University of Washington-Seattle Campus?

At 59/100, University of Washington-Seattle 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 Washington-Seattle 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 →