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Political Science and Government at The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,281/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 5%

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 $647K $629K $566K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.9x 13.5x 12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.7x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,712
Out-of-state: $171,112 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,712
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,835
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,281 at The University of Texas at Austin come in 18% above the national median of $36,684 for Political Science and Government programs.

With a 13.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% 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.

With first-year pay of $43,281 far exceeding the $19,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

The University of Texas at Austin ranks #16 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $43,281-to-$70,835 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin accepts 29% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 42,100 students enrolled in Austin, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Austin →

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)

Compare Political Science and Government

The University of Texas at Austin vs Dartmouth College → The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Pennsylvania → The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Maryland Global Campus → The University of Texas at Austin vs Harvard University →

Other Majors at The University of Texas at Austin

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($111,587) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($96,997) Business/Commerce, General ($94,041) Chemical Engineering ($87,365) Petroleum Engineering ($86,761) Management Information Systems and Services ($86,622) Mechanical Engineering ($82,227) Finance and Financial Management Services ($81,844)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at The University of Texas at Austin?
At 62/100, The University of Texas at Austin's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at The University of Texas at Austin?
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 The University of Texas at Austin one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?
Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, The University of Texas at Austin's #16 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →