Program Analysis
Graduates earn $35,281/yr, roughly in line with the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Political Science and Government programs nationally.
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 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $20,490 represents roughly 7 months of the $35,281 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #196 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $53,879 show a 53% jump from the $35,281 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.