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Political Science and Government at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,220/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #246 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Political Science and Government graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$558K	$550K	$506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.0x	10.9x	10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	4.8x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	47	45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,608

Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,688

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,683

58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,220 track close to the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Political Science and Government career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,500 against $35,220/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #246 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Northern Arizona University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $35,220-to-$55,683 earnings arc over five years reflects a 58% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 23,041 in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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 and Government at Other Schools

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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 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Northern Arizona University?

At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Northern Arizona 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 →