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Political Science and Government at Wichita State University

Wichita, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,121/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 11.5x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #428 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	$419K	$427K	$414K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.2x	11.5x	11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.4x	5.6x	5.4x
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, In-State (Sticker)

$37,288

Out-of-state: $76,960 (5.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,104

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,541

8.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Wichita State University's Political Science and Government graduates start at $30,121/yr, trailing the $36,684 national average by 18%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 11.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% 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 $20,541 against $30,121/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #428 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Wichita State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Wichita State University

A 95% acceptance rate means Wichita State University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 10,493 in Wichita, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Wichita State 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 Wichita State 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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Wichita State University?

At 37/100, 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 Wichita State 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 Wichita State University a good choice for Political Science and Government despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Wichita State 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 →