Political Science at University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
27
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
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 | $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
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,801
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,451
84% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Political Science 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 at University of Puget Sound?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science 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 →