Political Science at Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings
$32,359/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
7.8x 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 | $464K | $468K | $444K |
| Earnings Multiple | 7.8x | 7.8x | 7.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 36 | 35 | 33 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$59,808
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,820
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,581
28% growth from Year 1
About Western Illinois University
With 75% of applicants admitted, Western Illinois University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,939 students in Macomb, IL.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Illinois University →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 Western Illinois University
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at Western Illinois University?
A score of 35/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Political Science careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $443,837 in decade earnings vs $464,315 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →