Political Science at Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,324/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
11.4x earnings multiple (4.3x 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 | $599K | $587K | $533K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.6x | 11.4x | 10.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.4x | 4.3x | 4.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 52 | 51 | 48 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,584
Out-of-state: $135,004 (4.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,493
69% growth from Year 1
About Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Colorado State University-Fort Collins has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 25,148 students enrolled in Fort Collins, CO.
See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
At 51/100, Colorado State University-Fort Collins'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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →