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Public Policy Analysis at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,303/yr (-35% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (107,800 openings/yr)

ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #33 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Policy Analysis graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$574K	$567K	$517K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.0x	10.9x	10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	4.9x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	50%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	36	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$51,988

Out-of-state: $116,292 (4.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$57,604

-11% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,659

80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,303/yr fall 35% below the $46,424 national median for Public Policy Analysis. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Public Policy Analysis programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Public Policy Analysis's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #33 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs, Washington State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $54,659 show a 80% jump from the $30,303 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Washington State University

Washington State University has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 21,583 students enrolled in Pullman, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington State University →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr

Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Policy Analysis at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Public Policy Analysis at Washington State University?

A score of 36/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Public Policy Analysis. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Public Policy Analysis careers?

With 49% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $517,365 in decade earnings vs $574,021 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Public Policy Analysis from Washington State University?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

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