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Political Science and Government at Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,162/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #410 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

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 $651K $633K $568K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$193,072
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,652
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,915
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,123
91% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Willamette University's Political Science and Government program produces graduates earning $35,162/yr — within striking distance of the $36,684 national average for this field.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 13% 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 $20,915 against $35,162/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #410 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Willamette University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,162-to-$67,123 earnings arc over five years reflects a 91% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Willamette University

A 79% acceptance rate means Willamette University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,525 in Salem, OR. The average net cost of $94,652 over four years represents a 51% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Willamette 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 Willamette University

Computer Science ($80,077) Economics ($45,993) English Language and Literature, General ($32,863) Communication and Media Studies ($31,472) Psychology, General ($29,678) Sociology ($29,312) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($28,697) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($27,044)

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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Willamette University?
At 39/100, 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 Willamette 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.
What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at Willamette University?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $193,072. At a net cost of $94,652, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →