Political Scienceat University of Louisiana at Monroe
Graduates earn $23,450/yr in their first year — about 36.0% below the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $502K; scenarios range from $470K to $504K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Louisiana at Monroe
The earnings figures for this Political Science and Government program reflect the specific economic landscape and career pipelines available to graduates in the Monroe, Louisiana region. Unlike programs situated in major political or economic hubs, opportunities for high-paying roles directly in policy, lobbying, or federal government are less prevalent locally. Many graduates here leverage their analytical and communication skills in generalist roles within local government, non-profits, education, or even local businesses.
To truly excel, you'll need to be proactive. Given the field's "Very High" AI risk, focus on developing complementary, in-demand skills like data analysis, advanced communication, or project management. Actively pursuing internships, even if they require travel, and being open to relocating to larger metropolitan areas post-graduation will significantly broaden your career prospects and earning potential beyond what the local market typically offers.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Louisiana at Monroe's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Political Science
How University of Louisiana at Monroe stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Louisiana at Monroe
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Louisiana at Monroe, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Political Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Political Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Political Science at University of Louisiana at Monroe
How does University of Louisiana at Monroe's Political Science program score?
This program scores 34/100 — on the lower end for Political Science. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of Louisiana at Monroe Political Science graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Political Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Political Science earnings lower at University of Louisiana at Monroe?
Lower starting pay at University of Louisiana at Monroe may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.