Political Scienceat George Washington University
Graduates earn $51,537/yr in their first year — about 40.0% above the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $715K; scenarios range from $630K to $745K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at George Washington University
Studying Political Science and Government at George Washington University positions you in a uniquely advantageous ecosystem. Being in the heart of Washington D.C. isn't just a scenic backdrop; it's a direct pipeline to the nation's most influential institutions. This proximity provides unparalleled access to internships on Capitol Hill, within federal agencies like the State Department, at leading think tanks, or with powerful lobbying and consulting firms on K Street.
GWU's program leverages this environment, fostering a curriculum that often emphasizes practical policy analysis, research, and communication skills highly sought after by these D.C.-based employers. Your professors and peers are often deeply embedded in these professional networks, creating a robust pathway into high-impact careers in government, advocacy, international affairs, or strategic consulting. These experiences are invaluable, often leading directly to full-time roles with strong starting compensation. To maximize your prospects, actively seek out multiple internships and build robust professional connections from day one.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to George Washington University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Political Science
How George Washington University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at George Washington University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at George Washington University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Political Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Political Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Political Science at George Washington University
What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at George Washington University?
At 54/100, George Washington University'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 George Washington 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 George Washington University one of the best schools for Political Science?
Among 521 Political Science programs, George Washington University's #109 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.