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Political Science and Government at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,780/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 18.4x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #214 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 50%

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	$535K	$531K	$491K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.6x	18.4x	17.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.1x	6.1x	5.6x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	50	49	47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$28,856

Out-of-state: $87,504 (6.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,980

-104% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

7.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$51,763

58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,780/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from University of North Carolina at Charlotte land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 18.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $21,500 against $32,780/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #214 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $32,780-to-$51,763 earnings arc over five years reflects a 58% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of North Carolina at Charlotte

With 80% of applicants admitted, University of North Carolina at Charlotte prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 23,567 in Charlotte, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina at Charlotte →

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

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University of North Carolina at Charlotte?

At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at University of North Carolina at Charlotte?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →