Political Science and Government at Seattle University

Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,474/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #362 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 $602K $589K $535K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 42 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$217,140
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$139,208
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,112
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $41,474 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Seattle University earn slightly above the $36,684 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The financial case is thin at 2.7x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Political Science and Government's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $19,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #362 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, Seattle University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $64,112 show a 55% jump from the $41,474 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Seattle University

With 76% of applicants admitted, Seattle University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 4,117 in Seattle, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $139,208 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Seattle 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

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science and Government at Seattle University?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science and Government. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Political Science and Government careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $535,376 in decade earnings vs $601,939 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →