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Political Science and Government at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,080/yr (-7% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 8.3x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #341 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	$557K	$549K	$505K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.5x	8.3x	7.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.6x	3.5x	3.2x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	43	41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$65,832

Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$77,808

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,000

7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,117

62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,080/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 9% 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 $20,000 against $34,080/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #341 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Virginia Commonwealth University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,080-to-$55,117 earnings arc over five years reflects a 62% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

With 93% of applicants admitted, Virginia Commonwealth University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 20,797 in Richmond, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth 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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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Virginia Commonwealth University?

At 43/100, 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?

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 →