Political Science at University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings
$38,363/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
9.7x earnings multiple (4.7x 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 | $565K | $556K | $511K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.8x | 9.7x | 8.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.8x | 4.7x | 4.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 51 | 50 | 46 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$57,352
Out-of-state: $117,440 (4.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,597
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,896
51% growth from Year 1
About University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois Chicago has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 21,814 students enrolled in Chicago, IL. With 50% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Chicago →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
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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 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at University of Illinois Chicago?
At 50/100, University of Illinois Chicago's Political Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at University of Illinois Chicago?
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 →