Political Science and Government at Elon University

Elon, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
46
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,836/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #289 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 $664K $644K $576K
Earnings Multiple 3.7x 3.6x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 46 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$178,144
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,192
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,667
82% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,836 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Elon University earn slightly above the $36,684 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,500 debt-to-$38,836 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #289 out of 521 programs, Elon University's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $38,836 to $70,667 over five years (82% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Elon University

Elon University accepts 67% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 6,402 students in Elon, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Elon 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

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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

How does Elon University's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 46/100 — on the lower end for Political Science and Government. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →