Political Scienceat Texas A & M International University
Graduates earn $18,475/yr in their first year — about 50.0% below the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $617K; scenarios range from $557K to $634K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Texas A & M International University
Your potential earnings here reflect the unique labor market dynamics of Laredo and the broader South Texas region. While a Political Science degree is versatile, local opportunities often lean towards public service, non-profit organizations, or entry-level administrative roles within city or county government, and border-related agencies. These foundational positions, while crucial for community function, typically offer more modest starting salaries compared to roles in larger metropolitan areas or specialized federal agencies. The program's focus likely prepares you well for these local civic contributions, but high-paying analytical or corporate positions for political science graduates are less common in this specific regional economy.
To maximize your career trajectory, actively seek internships that provide practical skills, especially in data analysis or grant writing, and consider if pursuing graduate studies or relocating to a larger job market aligns with your long-term salary goals.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Texas A & M International University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Political Science
How Texas A & M International University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Texas A & M International University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Texas A & M International University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Political Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Political Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Political Science at Texas A & M International University
What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Texas A & M International University?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at Texas A & M International 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 Texas A & M International University a good choice for Political Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Texas A & M International University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Political Science at Texas A & M International University?
The 61% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $31,384. At a net cost of $12,244, the earnings multiple improves substantially.