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Political Science and Government at Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,059/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #315 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 $512K $510K $476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.4x 9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$48,960
Out-of-state: $115,008 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,328
-19% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,431
41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,059/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from Saginaw Valley State University land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 10.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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.

A #315 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Saginaw Valley State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 41% earnings increase from $35,059 to $49,431 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Saginaw Valley State University

With 73% of applicants admitted, Saginaw Valley State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 6,004 in University Center, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,950) Mechanical Engineering ($76,823) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($76,244) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($68,037) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($66,597) Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions ($59,937) Computer Systems Analysis ($54,219) Accounting and Related Services ($53,416)

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Saginaw Valley State University?
At 44/100, 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 Saginaw Valley State 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →