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Political Science and Government at The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
49
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,699/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 12.5x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #197 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 50%

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 $611K $597K $541K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.5x 11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.5x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 49 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,600
Out-of-state: $132,800 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,600
-86% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,049
87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,699/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from The University of Alabama land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 12.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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 $23,250 against $32,699/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #197 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places The University of Alabama in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $32,699-to-$61,049 earnings arc over five years reflects a 87% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Alabama

With 76% of applicants admitted, The University of Alabama prioritizes broad access, with 32,323 students enrolled in Tuscaloosa, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Alabama →

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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Other Majors at The University of Alabama

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($83,651) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($79,504) Mechanical Engineering ($75,238) Management Information Systems and Services ($74,078) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($73,887) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($73,000) Civil Engineering ($70,619) Chemical Engineering ($69,809)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at The University of Alabama?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at The University of Alabama?
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 →