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Political Science and Government at The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,831/yr (-13% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.0x earnings multiple

Ranked #461 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

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	$668K	$648K	$580K
Earnings Multiple	3.1x	3.0x	2.7x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	35	35	33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$214,792

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$109,992

49% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,267

9.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$66,908

110% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,831 track close to the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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.

At $24,267 against $31,831/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #461 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places The University of the South in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,831-to-$66,908 earnings arc over five years reflects a 110% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of the South

With a 51% acceptance rate, The University of the South is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 1,598 in Sewanee, TN. The average net cost of $109,992 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of the South →

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 and Government at Other Schools

Other Majors at The University of the South

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at The University of the South?

At 35/100, 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 the South?

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 →