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Political Science and Government at Rice University

Houston, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
58
Optimistic
57
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $54,728/yr (49% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #69 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 25%

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 $736K $707K $624K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.0x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 57 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$232,512
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,560
78% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,237
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $54,728 put Rice University's Political Science and Government program 49% above the national median of $36,684 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 15% 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.

Rice University ranks #69 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $54,728-to-$87,237 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Rice University

Rice University's 8% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, a compact campus enrolling 4,562 students in Houston, TX. The average net cost of $50,560 over four years represents a 78% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Rice 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 Rice University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($131,154) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($96,751) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($88,307) Chemical Engineering ($87,830) Mechanical Engineering ($82,899) Economics ($78,814) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($51,110) Mathematics ($50,286)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Rice University?
At 57/100, Rice University's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Rice 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.
Is Rice University one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?
Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, Rice University's #69 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at Rice University?
The 78% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $232,512. At a net cost of $50,560, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →