Program Analysis
Graduates earn $35,173/yr, roughly in line with the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 11.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $19,083 debt-to-$35,173 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #292 out of 521 programs, Portland State University's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,173 to $50,807 shows 44% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.