Political Science at Iowa State University
Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
49
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings
$30,715/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
14.5x earnings multiple (5.5x 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 | $625K | $610K | $551K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.9x | 14.5x | 13.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.6x | 5.5x | 5.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 49 | 49 | 47 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (5.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,481
100% growth from Year 1
About Iowa State University
Iowa State University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 25,033 in Ames, IA.
See all programs and financial aid at Iowa 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 Iowa State University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at Iowa State University?
A score of 49/100 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 $550,814 in decade earnings vs $625,149 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Political Science from Iowa State 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 →