Political Science at University of Memphis
Memphis, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings
$27,600/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
13.4x earnings multiple (9.4x 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 | $564K | $556K | $510K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 13.6x | 13.4x | 12.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 9.5x | 9.4x | 8.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 42 | 41 | 40 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,376
Out-of-state: $59,136 (9.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,699
91% growth from Year 1
About University of Memphis
A 93% acceptance rate means University of Memphis is accessible to most applicants, serving 13,645 students in Memphis, TN.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Memphis →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
Other Majors at University of Memphis
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 does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at University of Memphis?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at University of Memphis?
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 Memphis a good choice for Political Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Memphis's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →