University of Chicago — Chicago, IL

Political Science and Government

at University of Chicago · Chicago, IL

Exceptional Value

Go for it

🎓

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 $48,082/yr starting out — that's 60% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 4.5 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $18,967/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $81,334 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$86,856/yr

Starting Salary

$48,082

Finish Rate

94.9%

Household Income

Cost

$86,856/yr

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

Students on financial aid pay $18,967/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $67,889/yr)

4 Years Total

$347,424

Typical Debt

$15,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$5,466

What You'd Really Pay

$81,334

That's about $171/month for 10 years after you graduate

What 10 Years Looks Like

You'd earn (with degree)$480,820

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$81,334

Pays for Itself In

4.5 yrs

Salary Boost

+60%

Ahead After 10 Years

$399,486

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed21.5/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost8/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate14.2/15

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.