Political Science at East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings
$37,594/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
11.7x earnings multiple (8.4x 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 | $462K | $465K | $442K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.6x | 11.7x | 11.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 8.4x | 8.4x | 8.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 41 | 40 | 37 |
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,800
Out-of-state: $55,160 (8.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,325
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes
About East Tennessee State University
With 87% of applicants admitted, East Tennessee State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 9,807 students in Johnson City, TN.
See all programs and financial aid at East Tennessee State University →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 East Tennessee State University
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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at East Tennessee State University?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at East Tennessee State 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →