Political Science at University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,125
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,949
85% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Political Science at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Missouri-Columbia
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
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 at University of Missouri-Columbia?
At 55/100, University of Missouri-Columbia'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 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?
Among 521 Political Science 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 →