Location: Tempe, AZ•In-State Tuition: $12,051•Out-of-State Tuition: $32,193•Admission Rate: 90%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,481
82nd percentile
60th percentile in Arizona
Median Debt
$22,250
5% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.52 ManageableSample: 417 graduates

Analysis

Arizona State University's political science program stands out for strong earnings growth, with graduates seeing their median income jump 33% from $42,481 to $56,373 between their first and fourth years post-graduation. This trajectory places ASU in the 82nd percentile nationally among political science programs—well above the national median of $35,627 and even exceeding the national 75th percentile benchmark.

Within Arizona, ASU ties for the top spot among political science programs, matching its own Digital Immersion track and significantly outperforming in-state competitors like University of Arizona ($36,193) and Northern Arizona University ($35,220). The debt load of $22,250 is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 that allows most graduates to handle payments comfortably while building their careers.

The upward earnings trajectory suggests ASU graduates are successfully transitioning into roles with advancement potential, whether in government, nonprofits, or private sector positions. With robust sample size data and ASU's accessible 90% admission rate, this program offers a reliable path to above-average outcomes in political science—a field often criticized for weak job prospects.

Where Arizona State University Campus Immersion Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally

Arizona State University Campus ImmersionOther political science and government programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Arizona State University Campus Immersion graduates compare to all programs nationally

Arizona State University Campus Immersion earns $42k — 82th percentile among political science and government bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Arizona State University Campus Immersion$42,481$56,373+33%
Yale University$57,466$98,467+71%
Arizona State University Digital Immersion$42,481$56,373+33%
University of Arizona$36,193$53,016+46%
Northern Arizona University$35,220$48,198+37%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe$12,051$42,481$56,373$22,2500.52
Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale—$42,481$56,373$22,2500.52
Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix$17,450$37,704—$27,0000.72
University of ArizonaTucson$13,626$36,193$53,016$21,6300.60
Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff$12,652$35,220$48,198$19,5000.55
National Median—$35,627—$23,5000.66

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

$139,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Arizona State University Campus Immersion, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 417 graduates with reported earnings and 534 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.