Program Analysis
At $37,003/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Political Science and Government programs nationally.
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 18% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $17,831 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #7 of 521 Political Science and Government programs nationally, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo sits in the top 1% — one of the strongest programs in the country by financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $90,264 show a 144% jump from the $37,003 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.