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Political Science and Government at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,063/yr (15% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 13.8x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #25 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 5%

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	$634K	$618K	$557K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.1x	13.8x	12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.9x	3.8x	3.4x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	62	61	57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$44,820

Out-of-state: $162,412 (3.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,712

-51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

5.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$68,593

63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,063 at University of Wisconsin-Madison come in 15% above the national median of $36,684 for Political Science and Government programs.

With a 13.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% 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.

With first-year pay of $42,063 far exceeding the $20,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks #25 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $42,063-to-$68,593 earnings arc over five years reflects a 63% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

A 43% admission rate makes University of Wisconsin-Madison accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 35,665 students enrolled in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

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 Wisconsin-Madison

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 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

At 61/100, University of Wisconsin-Madison's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

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.

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?

Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, University of Wisconsin-Madison's #25 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →