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Political Science and Government at West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,286/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #245 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 50%

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	$608K	$594K	$539K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.7x	15.4x	14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.6x	5.4x	4.9x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	49	48	47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,592

Out-of-state: $109,440 (5.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,988

-35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,431

8.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$59,257

96% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,286/yr fall 17% below the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 15.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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 $21,431 against $30,286/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #245 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places West Virginia University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $30,286-to-$59,257 earnings arc over five years reflects a 96% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About West Virginia University

West Virginia University has a 86% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 17,705 students in Morgantown, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at West Virginia 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

Other Majors at West Virginia University

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 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at West Virginia University?

At 48/100, 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 West Virginia 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.

Is West Virginia University a good choice for Political Science and Government despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If West Virginia University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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