Political Science at California State University-Channel Islands
Camarillo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,799/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
20.9x earnings multiple (7.6x 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 | $579K | $569K | $520K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 21.2x | 20.9x | 19.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.7x | 7.6x | 7.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 56 | 55 | 53 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,268
Out-of-state: $74,788 (7.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,520
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,270
67% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Channel Islands
A 93% acceptance rate means California State University-Channel Islands is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,230 students in Camarillo, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Channel Islands →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 California State University-Channel Islands
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at California State University-Channel Islands?
At 55/100, California State University-Channel Islands's Political Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at California State University-Channel Islands?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-Channel Islands one of the best schools for Political Science?
Among 521 Political Science programs, California State University-Channel Islands's #104 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →