Certificate in Political Science and Government. — ROI at American University
DC · Based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data
Financial Breakdown for Political Science and Government. at American University
Net Annual Cost
$71,549
After grants & scholarships
Median Earnings
$64,391
Median salary after graduation
Net Debt
$23,250
After personal savings applied
20-Year Net ROI Projection
Gross Earnings (20 years)
$64,391 × 20 years
+$1,287,820
Total 1-Year Cost
$71,549 × 1 years
−$71,549
Estimated Debt Payoff ⓘ Includes estimated interest over a standard 10-year repayment plan.
$23,250 principal × 1.35 (interest)
−$31,387
Baseline Opportunity Cost ⓘ The estimated earnings you would make with a high school diploma over 20 years ($42,000/yr), which you forfeit while studying.
$42,000 median no-degree salary × 20 years
−$840,000
20-Year Net ROI
+$344,883
Graduation Rate
79.0%
of students complete their degree
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How we calculate ROI
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings − Total 1-Year Cost − Estimated Debt Payoff − Baseline Opportunity Cost
Baseline assumes $42,000/yr median earnings without a college degree. Debt payoff uses a 1.35× multiplier to account for interest over a standard repayment period.
Data sourced from the U.S. College Scorecard.