Political Science at Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
62
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,708/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
16.4x earnings multiple (5.7x 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 | $678K | $656K | $586K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 17.0x | 16.4x | 14.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.9x | 5.7x | 5.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 62 | 62 | 58 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,968
Out-of-state: $115,176 (5.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,774
83% growth from Year 1
About Purdue University-Main Campus
Purdue University-Main Campus accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 39,637 students enrolled in West Lafayette, IN.
See all programs and financial aid at Purdue University-Main 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
Compare Political Science
Other Majors at Purdue University-Main 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 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Purdue University-Main Campus?
At 62/100, Purdue University-Main 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 Purdue University-Main 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.
Is Purdue University-Main Campus one of the best schools for Political Science?
Among 521 Political Science programs, Purdue University-Main Campus's #17 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →