Program Analysis
Graduates earn $31,786/yr, roughly in line with the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 11.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 12% 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.
At $24,250 against $31,786/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #257 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The $31,786-to-$61,148 earnings arc over five years reflects a 92% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.