Political Science and Government at American University
American University's 47% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 7,593 students in Washington, DC.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $51,222/yr, edging above the $47,853 national average for Political Science and Government — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 13.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Political Science and Government programs nationally.
The 33% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 50% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Political Science and Government graduates.
At $23,250 in median debt against $51,222 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
This program is one of 4 schools offering Political Science and Government in our dataset — a specialized trade with limited comparison points.
Earnings grow from $51,222 to $73,852 over five years — a 44% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
One registered apprenticeship pathway (Health Information Management Privacy And Security Officer with a median wage of $136,550/yr) connects to Political Science and Government careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Political Science and Government graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political scientists | $139,380 | -3.1% | 52% |
| Managers, all other | $136,550 | +4.5% | 53% |
| Economics teachers, postsecondary | $119,980 | +2.1% | 52% |
Political Science and Government Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Political Science and Government — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from American University and 3 other schools.
Read the full Political Science and Government career guide →
Compare & Explore
Political Science and Government Overview
Political Science and Government at Other Schools
Other Majors at American University
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