Political Scienceat Wake Forest University
Graduates earn $47,161/yr in their first year — about 29.0% above the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $753K; scenarios range from $658K to $787K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Wake Forest University
At $47,161 per year, Political Science graduates from Wake Forest University significantly outpace the $36,684 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
At 2.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.
The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Political Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
The median debt load of $22,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Wake Forest University ranks #117 among 521 Political Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $47,161-to-$89,748 earnings arc over five years reflects a 90% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.
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 Wake Forest University'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 Wake Forest University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Wake Forest University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Wake Forest University, 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 Wake Forest University
What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Wake Forest University?
At 54/100, Wake Forest University's Political Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at Wake Forest University?
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 Wake Forest University one of the best schools for Political Science?
Among 521 Political Science programs, Wake Forest University's #117 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for Political Science at Wake Forest University?
The 56% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $259,032. At a net cost of $114,984, the earnings multiple improves substantially.