General
Political Science And Government
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Political Science And Government.
Entry Level Salary
$44,457
Median Salary
$104,672
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
24.8%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,186,880
Entry (Early)
$44,457
Median (Prime)
$104,672
High (Prime)
$112,385
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
-55k
+443k
+505k
$25k / yr
-144k
+353k
+415k
$50k / yr
-234k
+263k
+325k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
24
$25k / yr
Never
28
28
$50k / yr
Never
33
31
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-133%
325%
382%
$50k / yr
-108%
121%
149%
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).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
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
16.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$78,785
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$145,775|$144,040
openings
34,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%
Management occupations
5.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$53,095
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,000|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Top executives
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$62,475
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$200,000|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Elementary and middle school teachers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,845
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,170|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Postsecondary teachers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$26,552
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$83,691|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Management analysts
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$71,735
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$107,602|$101,190
openings
98,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.8%
Paralegals and legal assistants
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$56,275|$61,010
openings
39,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.2%
Education and childcare administrators
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$99,233|$100,650
openings
45,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%
Financial managers
1.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$78,785
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$124,950|$161,700
openings
74,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +14.8%
Human resources workers
1.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$58,584
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,040|$74,220
openings
87,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.8%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
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 | 17 | $70,537 - $101,438 |
| political science and government. | Associate's Degree | 122 | $37,495 - $48,247 |
| political science and government. | Bachelor's Degree | 1071 | $26,696 - $121,729 |
| political science and government. | Master's Degree | 183 | $63,359 - $118,381 |
| political science and government. | Doctoral Degree | 123 | $104,566 - $105,840 |
| political science and government. | Graduate Certificate | 5 | $114,020 - $114,020 |
| political science and government. | Level 99 | 13 | Data N/A |