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Political Science and Government at Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,744/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 8.7x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #262 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 50%

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 $536K $531K $492K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.8x 8.7x 8.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 7.0x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,192
Out-of-state: $76,392 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,804
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,250
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,046
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,744 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Western Michigan University earn slightly above the $36,684 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 8.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% 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.

At $24,250 against $38,744/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #262 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Western Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 39% earnings increase from $38,744 to $54,046 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Western Michigan University

With 85% of applicants admitted, Western Michigan University prioritizes broad access, serving 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan University →

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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Other Majors at Western Michigan University

Paper Science and Engineering ($86,401) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($76,145) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,149) Industrial Engineering ($74,670) Civil Engineering ($69,706) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($69,514) Chemical Engineering ($68,632) Mechanical Engineering ($68,260)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Western Michigan University?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Western Michigan 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →