Political Science and Government at Coastal Carolina University

Conway, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,924/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #334 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Political Science and Government graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $567K $558K $512K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.2x 12.0x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.7x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,560
Out-of-state: $118,512 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,968
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,250
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,322
82% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Coastal Carolina University's Political Science and Government graduates start at $29,924/yr, trailing the $36,684 national average by 18%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 12.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Political Science and Government career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,250 against $29,924/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #334 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Coastal Carolina University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $29,924-to-$54,322 earnings arc over five years reflects a 82% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Coastal Carolina University

A 80% acceptance rate means Coastal Carolina University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 9,909 students in Conway, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Coastal Carolina University →

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 and Government at Other Schools

Other Majors at Coastal Carolina University

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 does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Coastal Carolina University?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Coastal Carolina University?
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 Coastal Carolina University a good choice for Political Science and Government despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Coastal Carolina University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →