Political Science at University of Idaho

Moscow, ID · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,881/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 14.1x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #415 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $498K $497K $466K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.1x 14.1x 13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.2x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,264
Out-of-state: $119,136 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,128
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,571
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,755
61% growth from Year 1

About University of Idaho

With 79% of applicants admitted, University of Idaho prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 7,363 in Moscow, ID.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Idaho →

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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Idaho

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at University of Idaho?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Political Science careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $466,068 in decade earnings vs $497,739 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Political Science from University of Idaho?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →