Political Science at University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,040/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #424 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $704K $680K $603K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.0x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$225,776
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$125,060
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,344
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,534
117% growth from Year 1

About University of San Diego

A 47% admission rate makes University of San Diego accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving 5,619 students in San Diego, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $125,060 over four years — 45% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of San Diego →

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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of San Diego

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at University of San Diego?
At 37/100, 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 San Diego?
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 →