Political Science at North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,948/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 20.6x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #356 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

Program Analysis

While a Political Science and Government degree offers a versatile foundation, its initial earning potential can vary significantly depending on your path, and the data suggests a tougher financial start here. Much of this reflects the regional labor market and typical career entry points for graduates from a public institution like NCCU. Many graduates initially pursue roles in local or state government agencies, non-profits, or advocacy groups within the Research Triangle area. These essential public service roles often come with more modest starting salaries compared to private sector positions. To leverage this degree effectively, you'll need to be proactive. Consider specializing through minors, internships with state legislative offices or local political campaigns, and actively networking. Given the typical career paths for poli-sci majors, pursuing an advanced degree like law school or a Master's in Public Administration can significantly enhance your long-term earning potential and open doors to the higher-paying roles you see listed.

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 $545K $539K $498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.8x 20.6x 19.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 6.9x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$26,168
Out-of-state: $78,312 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,112
-130% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,000
13.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,987
96% growth from Year 1

About North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 5,400 students in Durham, NC. 57% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina Central University →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Political Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at North Carolina Central 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

How does North Carolina Central University's Political Science program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Political Science. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do North Carolina Central University Political Science graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Political Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Political Science earnings lower at North Carolina Central University?
Lower starting pay at North Carolina Central University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →