Stanford University — Stanford, CA

Political Science and Government

at Stanford University · Stanford, CA

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 $46,407/yr starting out — that's 55% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 3.2 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $12,136/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $52,917 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$82,162/yr

Starting Salary

$46,407

Finish Rate

92.8%

Household Income

Cost

$82,162/yr

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

Students on financial aid pay $12,136/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $70,026/yr)

4 Years Total

$328,648

Typical Debt

$12,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$4,373

What You'd Really Pay

$52,917

That's about $136/month for 10 years after you graduate

What 10 Years Looks Like

You'd earn (with degree)$464,070

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$52,917

Pays for Itself In

3.2 yrs

Salary Boost

+55%

Ahead After 10 Years

$411,153

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed23.3/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost7.3/20

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.