University of California-Berkeley — Berkeley, CA

Political Science and Government

at University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley, CA

Strong Value

Solid pick

🎓

Common Pre-Law Major

Many political science graduates attend law school or pursue advanced policy degrees. Earnings data may not reflect long-term career trajectories.

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $40,526/yr starting out — that's 35% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 6.1 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $14,979/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $64,653 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$42,708/yr

Starting Salary

$40,526

Finish Rate

92.9%

Household Income

Cost

$42,708/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $14,979/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $27,729/yr)

4 Years Total

$170,832

Typical Debt

$13,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$4,737

What You'd Really Pay

$64,653

That's about $148/month for 10 years after you graduate

What 10 Years Looks Like

You'd earn (with degree)$405,260

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$64,653

Pays for Itself In

6.1 yrs

Salary Boost

+35%

Ahead After 10 Years

$340,607

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed19.2/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost4.7/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate13.9/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.