Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $32,014 track close to the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 19.9x 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 10% gap from the optimistic case.
At $14,000 in median debt against $32,014 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #170 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, California State University-Northridge scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $56,503 show a 76% jump from the $32,014 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.