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Political Science and Government at Whitworth University

Spokane, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $43,933/yr (20% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 3.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #244 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	$656K	$637K	$571K
Earnings Multiple	3.2x	3.1x	2.8x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	49	48	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$203,680

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$103,536

49% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,000

5.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$72,166

64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $43,933 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Whitworth University earn slightly above the $36,684 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 13% 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.

The median debt load of $21,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #244 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Whitworth University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $43,933-to-$72,166 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Whitworth University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Whitworth University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,927 students in Spokane, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $103,536 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Whitworth 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 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Whitworth 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 Whitworth 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 →