Political Science at Whittier College
Whittier, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,616/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
3.2x 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 | $652K | $633K | $568K |
| Earnings Multiple | 3.3x | 3.2x | 2.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 32 | 32 | 31 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,456
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,587
115% growth from Year 1
About Whittier College
Whittier College accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 812 students in Whittier, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $119,484 over four years — 40% below sticker price.
See all programs and financial aid at Whittier College →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 Whittier College
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 Whittier College?
A score of 32/100 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 $568,417 in decade earnings vs $651,617 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Political Science from Whittier College?
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 →