General
Political Science And Government
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Political Science And Government.
Entry Level Salary
$44,938
Median Salary
$107,184
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
24.5%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,287,360
Entry (Early)
$44,938
Median (Prime)
$107,184
High (Prime)
$113,000
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-50k
+465k
+512k
$25k / yr
-140k
+375k
+422k
$50k / yr
-230k
+285k
+332k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
24
$25k / yr
Never
28
27
$50k / yr
Never
32
31
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-129%
345%
388%
$50k / yr
-106%
131%
153%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate48.9%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Lawyers, judges, and related workers
16.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$75,029
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$150,000|$155,120
openings
31,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.5%
Management occupations
5.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$57,928
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$123,525|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Top executives
2.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$64,311
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$199,700|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Elementary and middle school teachers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,708
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,822|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Postsecondary teachers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$24,291
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$85,747|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Management analysts
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$70,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,382|$101,860
openings
94,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.1%
Paralegals and legal assistants
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$38,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,611|$62,890
openings
40,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%
Education and childcare administrators
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$51,469
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$97,538|$102,260
openings
44,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.1%
Financial managers
1.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$81,100
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$128,621|$166,570
openings
65,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.7%
Secondary school teachers
1.3% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$51,469
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$68,598|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| political science and government. | Undergrad Certificate | 13 | $70,537 - $106,700 |
| political science and government. | Associate's Degree | 117 | $37,495 - $66,737 |
| political science and government. | Bachelor's Degree | 1054 | $26,696 - $121,729 |
| political science and government. | Master's Degree | 178 | $63,359 - $118,381 |
| political science and government. | Doctoral Degree | 122 | $95,830 - $105,840 |
| political science and government. | Graduate Certificate | 5 | $114,020 - $114,020 |