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Political Science and Government at Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,518/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #382 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

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 $484K $485K $457K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$203,856
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,480
58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$48,683
17% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $41,518 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn slightly above the $36,684 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 6% 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.

The median debt load of $20,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #382 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Pacific Lutheran University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Pacific Lutheran University

With 81% of applicants admitted, Pacific Lutheran University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,350 students in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $85,480 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Pacific Lutheran 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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Other Majors at Pacific Lutheran University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($81,761) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($78,055) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($57,683) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($57,624) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($52,919) Chemistry ($44,555) Economics ($43,806) Biology, General ($36,766)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Pacific Lutheran University?
At 41/100, 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 Pacific Lutheran 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.
What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at Pacific Lutheran University?
The 58% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $203,856. At a net cost of $85,480, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →