Political Science and Government at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,893/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #427 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 $646K $628K $565K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.4x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 37 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$186,352
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$86,332
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,176
98% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Valparaiso University's Political Science and Government program produces graduates earning $32,893/yr — within striking distance of the $36,684 national average for this field.

The 3.4x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$32,893 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #427 out of 521 programs, Valparaiso University's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $32,893 to $65,176 over five years (98% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Valparaiso University

A 92% acceptance rate means Valparaiso University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 2,229 in Valparaiso, IN. The average net cost of $86,332 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Valparaiso University →

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

How does Valparaiso University's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Political Science and Government. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Political Science and Government at Valparaiso University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $186,352, but the average net cost is $86,332 — a 54% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →