Political Science at Auburn University
Auburn, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
49
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings
$32,228/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
12.4x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Political Science graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $637K | $621K | $559K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.7x | 12.4x | 11.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.7x | 4.6x | 4.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 49 | 49 | 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)
$50,144
Out-of-state: $135,776 (4.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,805
98% growth from Year 1
About Auburn University
With a 50% acceptance rate, Auburn University is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 25,732 students in Auburn, AL.
See all programs and financial aid at Auburn University →Top Career Paths
Political scientists
$139,380/yr
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary
$119,980/yr
Compare & Explore
Political Science at Other Schools
Other Majors at Auburn University
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
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at Auburn University?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Political Science careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $559,022 in decade earnings vs $637,492 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →