Political Science at Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,915/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
3.4x earnings multiple
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 | $761K | $730K | $641K |
| Earnings Multiple | 3.6x | 3.4x | 3.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 33 | 33 | 32 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,000
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,494
9.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,779
167% growth from Year 1
About Gonzaga University
With 76% of applicants admitted, Gonzaga University prioritizes broad access, serving 5,098 students in Spokane, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $145,484 — 32% less than the list price.
See all programs and financial aid at Gonzaga 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 Gonzaga 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at Gonzaga University?
A score of 33/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Political Science careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $641,204 in decade earnings vs $761,050 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Political Science from Gonzaga University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →