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Political Science and Government at University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,290/yr (-15% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 2.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #512 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

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	$587K	$576K	$525K
Earnings Multiple	2.4x	2.4x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	28	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$239,600

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$155,680

35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,801

8.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,451

84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,290 track close to the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% 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 $22,801 against $31,290/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #512 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places University of Puget Sound in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,290-to-$57,451 earnings arc over five years reflects a 84% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Puget Sound

University of Puget Sound has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,631 in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $155,680 — 35% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Puget Sound →

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

Other Majors at University of Puget Sound

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 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University of Puget Sound?

At 28/100, 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 Puget Sound?

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 →