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Political Science and Government at Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,725/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 22.0x earnings multiple (8.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #266 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 $604K $591K $537K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.4x 22.0x 19.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.7x 8.5x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$26,940
Out-of-state: $69,564 (8.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,572
-99% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,570
112% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Winston-Salem State University's Political Science and Government graduates start at $26,725/yr, trailing the $36,684 national average by 27%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 22.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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 $25,000 against $26,725/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #266 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Winston-Salem State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,725-to-$56,570 earnings arc over five years reflects a 112% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University's 69% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,244 in Winston-Salem, NC. Pell Grant recipients make up 61% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Winston-Salem State 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 Winston-Salem State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,639) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($60,442) Computer Science ($50,927) Accounting and Related Services ($45,495) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,077) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($41,819) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($35,414) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($32,541)

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 Winston-Salem State 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 Winston-Salem State 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.
Is Winston-Salem State University a good choice for Political Science and Government despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Winston-Salem State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →