Home Schools University of North Carolina at Pembroke Political Science
Social Sciences · Political Science Rank #407 of 521

Political Scienceat University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Graduates earn $22,223/yr in their first year — about 39.0% below the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $468K; scenarios range from $444K to $465K depending on AI disruption.

Pembroke, NC Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
39 AT RISK
40
Optimistic
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$22,223
1-year post-graduation
ROI
25.6x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$468K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
56% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The financial data here reflects the realities of pursuing a political science degree within a specific regional labor market. Many graduates from this program often find initial roles in local government, non-profits, or general business administration, where opportunities can be more limited compared to major metropolitan centers. The curriculum likely provides a strong foundation in critical thinking and civics, but without specialized quantitative skills, data analysis, or a clear path to an advanced degree, you might find yourself in generalist positions. These roles, while valuable, are often susceptible to automation, contributing to the "Very High" AI risk. To enhance your career prospects, consider proactively developing in-demand skills like data analytics, grant writing, or specific software proficiencies, and actively seek internships outside the immediate Pembroke area if higher-paying roles in policy or advocacy are your goal.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$444K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score38/100
Earnings Multiple31.1x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$468K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score39/100
Earnings Multiple32.8x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$465K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score40/100
Earnings Multiple32.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of North Carolina at Pembroke's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Political Science graduates typically work

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.

1
Political scientists
-3.1% 10-yr growth · 500 openings/yr
$139,380/yr
Moderate
2
Managers, all other
+4.5% 10-yr growth · 106,700 openings/yr
$136,550/yr
Moderate
3
Economics teachers, postsecondary
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 1,200 openings/yr
$119,980/yr
Moderate
4
Economists
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 900 openings/yr
$115,440/yr
High
5
Political science teachers, postsecondary
+2.0% 10-yr growth · 1,600 openings/yr
$94,680/yr
Moderate
6
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
-1.6% 10-yr growth · 66,200 openings/yr
$64,580/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Political Science

How University of North Carolina at Pembroke stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Dartmouth College
NH · Private nonprofit
62
DW Score
$73K
1-yr earn
2.8x
ROI
Tufts University
MA · Private nonprofit
53
DW Score
$68K
1-yr earn
1.8x
ROI
University of Pennsylvania
PA · Private nonprofit
63
DW Score
$65K
1-yr earn
3.2x
ROI
Princeton University
NJ · Private nonprofit
60
DW Score
$63K
1-yr earn
2.9x
ROI
Top score
University of Maryland Global Campus
MD · Public
72
DW Score
$62K
1-yr earn
21.0x
ROI
Also at University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Other top programs at University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of North Carolina at Pembroke, 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Political Science at University of North Carolina at Pembroke

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at University of North Carolina at Pembroke?

A score of 39/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Is Political Science at University of North Carolina at Pembroke worth the student debt?

Median debt of $25,900 against $22,223/yr starting salary means roughly 1.2 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.

Will AI replace Political Science careers?

With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $444,050 in decade earnings vs $464,637 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Political Science from University of North Carolina at Pembroke?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.