Political Science Degree in Anaheim, CA — Salary & ROI 2026
Political Science degree analysis for Anaheim, CA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$56K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$84K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
6.3 yrs
in Anaheim
Cost of Living
117
index (100 = avg)
Political Science in Anaheim, CA Overview
Anaheim, California (pop. 350,365) has 19 colleges offering Political Science programs. The local cost of living index of 117 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,729/month. Political Science enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Policy Analysis and Research. The adjusted starting salary in Anaheim is approximately $56,160.
Category
Social Sciences
Local Colleges
19
Public Tuition
$6,920/yr
Private Tuition
$37,099/yr
Room & Board
$16,938/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$11,487/yr
Unemployment
4.1%
Graduation Rate
53%
Political Science Salary in Anaheim (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Anaheim's cost of living index of 117 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Political Science salary: $48,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $95,000 senior level.Anaheim adjustment factor: 1.17x based on the local cost of living index.
Political Science ROI Calculator for Anaheim
Estimate your return on investment for a Political Science degree using local Anaheim tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $6,920 | Private avg: $37,099
Anaheim avg aid: $11,487/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$95,432
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$15,210
vs HS diploma in Anaheim
ROI Payback Period
6.3 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Anaheim
$372,568
Lifetime earnings premium ($468,000) minus total education cost ($95,432)
Student Loan Payoff for Political Science in Anaheim
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Anaheim for Political Science
Cal State Fullerton
public
$6,920/yr
$27,680 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Fullerton College
$1,540/yr
Top Employers for Political Science in Anaheim
Anaheim offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Political Science graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Anaheim Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences
Government agencies
Non-profits
Research institutes
Social services
Consulting
Common Political Science Job Titles
Political Science in Nearby California Cities
Los Angeles, CA
$68K starting · COL 141
69 colleges
San Diego, CA
$67K starting · COL 140
68 colleges
San Jose, CA
$62K starting · COL 129
95 colleges
San Francisco, CA
$55K starting · COL 114
22 colleges
Fresno, CA
$57K starting · COL 118
37 colleges
Sacramento, CA
$54K starting · COL 112
38 colleges
Long Beach, CA
$56K starting · COL 116
14 colleges
Oakland, CA
$63K starting · COL 132
13 colleges
Other Social Sciences Majors in Anaheim
International Relations
$59K starting · 5 yr ROI
Urban Planning
$59K starting · 5 yr ROI
Geography
$59K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Forensic Science
$59K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Sustainability Studies
$59K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Psychology
$51K starting · 6 yr ROI
Criminal Justice
$59K starting · 5 yr ROI
Sociology
$51K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Political Science degree outcomes in Anaheim, CA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Political Science programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for California.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Anaheim using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Political Science graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Political Science career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Political Science grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Anaheim Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), California students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — California programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "california higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Political Science Degree in Anaheim — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Political Science ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Anaheim.