Political Science and Government at University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
56
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,937/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 21.7x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #70 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 25%

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 $561K $553K $508K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.0x 21.7x 20.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 6.2x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 56 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$25,472
Out-of-state: $89,868 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,600
-67% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,750
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,469
57% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,937/yr, roughly in line with the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 21.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $35,937 far exceeding the $17,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of Central Florida ranks #70 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $35,937-to-$56,469 earnings arc over five years reflects a 57% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida accepts 40% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 59,095 students in Orlando, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Central Florida →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University of Central Florida?
At 56/100, University of Central Florida'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 University of Central Florida?
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 University of Central Florida one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?
Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, University of Central Florida's #70 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 →