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Political Science and Government at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
53
Optimistic
53
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,172/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.8x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #126 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 $716K $690K $611K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.2x 10.8x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.0x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 53 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,201
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,311
111% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,172/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 10.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% 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 $19,201 against $35,172/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks #126 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $35,172-to-$74,311 earnings arc over five years reflects a 111% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A 44% admission rate makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 34,623 students enrolled in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Other Majors at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Computer Science ($124,530) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,503) Mathematics and Computer Science ($109,843) Computer Engineering ($103,123) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($86,483) Systems Engineering ($81,785) Nuclear Engineering ($81,134) Mechanical Engineering ($80,187)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
At 53/100, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign'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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?
Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's #126 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 →