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Political Science and Government at University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,722/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #92 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 $663K $643K $576K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.7x 11.4x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.7x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,520
Out-of-state: $137,352 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,556
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,125
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,949
85% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,722/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from University of Missouri-Columbia land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% 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 $21,125 against $37,722/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Missouri-Columbia ranks #92 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $37,722-to-$69,949 earnings arc over five years reflects a 85% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Missouri-Columbia

With 77% of applicants admitted, University of Missouri-Columbia prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 23,118 in Columbia, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Missouri-Columbia →

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 Missouri-Columbia

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($85,400) Computer Engineering ($83,243) Industrial Engineering ($79,894) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($72,886) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,300) Mechanical Engineering ($71,800) Engineering, General ($70,366) Chemical Engineering ($69,950)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University of Missouri-Columbia?
At 55/100, University of Missouri-Columbia'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 Missouri-Columbia?
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 Missouri-Columbia one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?
Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, University of Missouri-Columbia's #92 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 →