Political Science at Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
46
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,358/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
9.4x earnings multiple (6.6x 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 | $560K | $552K | $507K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.6x | 9.4x | 8.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.7x | 6.6x | 6.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 46 | 46 | 43 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,512
Out-of-state: $83,280 (6.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,023
58% growth from Year 1
About Grand Valley State University
With 95% of applicants admitted, Grand Valley State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 19,073 in Allendale, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Grand Valley 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 Grand Valley State 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 does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Grand Valley State University?
At 46/100, 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 Grand Valley 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 →