Political Science at Texas State University
San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings
$33,783/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
11.3x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
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 | $519K | $516K | $480K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.3x | 11.3x | 10.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.6x | 5.6x | 5.2x |
| 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)
$45,800
Out-of-state: $92,840 (5.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,231
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,969
48% growth from Year 1
About Texas State University
A 89% acceptance rate means Texas State University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 34,547 students in San Marcos, TX.
See all programs and financial aid at Texas State University →Top Career Paths
Political scientists
$139,380/yr
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary
$119,980/yr
Compare & Explore
Political Science at Other Schools
Other Majors at Texas State 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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Texas State University?
At 44/100, 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 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 →