Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $23,243 place Austin College below the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
The financial case is thin at 2.9x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in Political Science and Government's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $20,947 represents roughly 11 months of the $23,243 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #521 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, Austin College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $47,828 show a 106% jump from the $23,243 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.