Political Science at Texas A & M International University

Laredo, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,475/yr (-50% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 19.7x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #380 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

Program Analysis

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.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Political Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $634K $617K $557K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.2x 19.7x 17.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.2x 8.0x 7.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,384
Out-of-state: $77,528 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$12,244
61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,771
9.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,216
183% growth from Year 1

About Texas A & M International University

Texas A & M International University's 46% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 6,502 in Laredo, TX. With 63% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. The average net cost of $12,244 over four years represents a 61% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas A & M International 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Texas A & M International University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →