Political Science and Government at Ashland University

Ashland, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,455/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #320 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 $506K $505K $472K
Earnings Multiple 4.4x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$115,640
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,976
24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,048
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,903
15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $44,455 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Ashland University earn slightly above the $36,684 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 4.4x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,048 debt-to-$44,455 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #320 out of 521 programs, Ashland University's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $44,455 to $50,903 over five years (15% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Ashland University

With 81% of applicants admitted, Ashland University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 2,250 in Ashland, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ashland 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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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ashland University's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Political Science and Government. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →