Political Science at University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,474/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
12.7x earnings multiple (5.1x 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 | $444K | $450K | $430K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.6x | 12.7x | 12.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.1x | 5.1x | 4.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 43 | 42 | 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)
$35,328
Out-of-state: $87,456 (5.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$52,157
51% growth from Year 1
About University of Alabama at Birmingham
With 88% of applicants admitted, University of Alabama at Birmingham prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 12,118 in Birmingham, AL.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Alabama at Birmingham →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 University of Alabama at Birmingham
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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at University of Alabama at Birmingham?
At 42/100, 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham?
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 →