Political Science at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Bend, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,157/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
11.2x earnings multiple (4.0x 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 | $572K | $563K | $515K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.4x | 11.2x | 10.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.1x | 4.0x | 3.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 54 | 53 | 49 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,376
Out-of-state: $139,776 (4.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,286
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,150
51% growth from Year 1
About Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
A 68% admission rate makes Oregon State University-Cascades Campus accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a smaller student body of 1,054 in Bend, OR.
See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus →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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
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 does a 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
At 53/100, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus's Political Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
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 →