Political Scienceat University of Portland
Graduates earn $23,017/yr in their first year — about 37.0% below the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $636K; scenarios range from $570K to $654K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Portland
The financial outcomes for Political Science and Government from the University of Portland might reflect the unique regional labor market. Portland's ecosystem for this major leans heavily towards non-profit organizations, local government agencies, and advocacy groups, which often have more modest starting salaries compared to corporate or federal opportunities in other major cities. Many students from private liberal arts institutions also pursue further education, with roles like political scientists or economists typically requiring graduate degrees, which delays higher earning potential. Consider how the program’s strong emphasis on critical thinking and communication prepares you for diverse roles beyond direct government, such as policy analysis in tech or community relations. To maximize your prospects, actively seek internships early in sectors you find interesting and develop highly marketable skills in data analysis or grant writing to complement your foundational knowledge.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Portland's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Political Science
How University of Portland stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Portland
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Portland, 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 →Frequently asked about Political Science at University of Portland
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at University of Portland?
A score of 24/100 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 Portland worth the student debt?
Median debt of $24,250 against $23,017/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 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 $570,221 in decade earnings vs $654,330 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Political Science from University of Portland?
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.