Program Analysis
Graduates earn $35,393/yr, roughly in line with the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Political Science and Government programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Political Science and Government's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 4% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $18,750 represents roughly 6 months of the $35,393 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #317 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, New Mexico State University-Main Campus falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $41,483 are relatively flat compared to the $35,393 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.