Political Science at Austin College

Sherman, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,243/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #521 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

Program Analysis

Considering Austin College's Political Science and Government program, it's crucial to understand the regional labor market dynamics impacting your career launch. Located in Sherman, you're not in a major political or policy center, which means access to high-impact internships and entry-level roles in government, advocacy, or law firms can be more challenging than for peers in larger cities. The career paths often require advanced degrees (like law school or a Ph.D. for "political scientists") or necessitate relocation to competitive metropolitan areas. Your degree's high AI risk highlights that many entry-level analytical and research tasks are increasingly automated. To succeed, you must intentionally cultivate uniquely human skills: critical thinking, complex communication, ethical reasoning, and networking. Don't just study theory; actively pursue internships that provide practical experience and build your professional network beyond the immediate area. Consider a minor or dual major in a more quantitative or vocational field to enhance your marketability.

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 $545K $539K $497K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$186,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$93,804
50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,947
10.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,828
106% growth from Year 1

About Austin College

A 47% admission rate makes Austin College accessible to a wide range of qualified students, a compact campus enrolling 1,125 students in Sherman, TX. The average net cost of $93,804 over four years represents a 50% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Austin College →

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 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at Austin College?
A score of 22/100 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 $497,351 in decade earnings vs $544,771 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Political Science from Austin College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →