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Political Science and Government at Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,069/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #310 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 $505K $503K $471K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$175,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,936
39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $45,069 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Wheaton College earn slightly above the $36,684 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 2.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 7% 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 $23,250 against $45,069/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #310 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Wheaton College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Wheaton College

With 90% of applicants admitted, Wheaton College prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 2,087 in Wheaton, IL. The average net cost of $107,936 over four years represents a 39% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Wheaton College →

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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Other Majors at Wheaton College

Computer Science ($81,470) Economics ($62,889) Business/Managerial Economics ($55,300) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($47,714) International Relations and National Security Studies ($40,084) Communication and Media Studies ($39,321) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($37,025) English Language and Literature, General ($32,723)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Wheaton College?
At 44/100, 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 Wheaton College?
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 →