Political Science Degree in Paradise, NV — Salary & ROI 2026
Political Science degree analysis for Paradise, NV. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$48K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$72K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
7.2 yrs
in Paradise
Cost of Living
100.5
index (100 = avg)
Political Science in Paradise, NV Overview
Paradise, Nevada (pop. 178,395) has 7 colleges offering Political Science programs. The local cost of living index of 100.5 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,035/month. Political Science enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Policy Analysis and Research. The adjusted starting salary in Paradise is approximately $48,240.
Category
Social Sciences
Local Colleges
7
Public Tuition
$8,900/yr
Private Tuition
$24,000/yr
Room & Board
$14,715/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$9,357/yr
Unemployment
5.6%
Graduation Rate
55%
Political Science Salary in Paradise (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Paradise's cost of living index of 100.5 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Political Science salary: $48,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $95,000 senior level.Paradise adjustment factor: 1.00x based on the local cost of living index.
Political Science ROI Calculator for Paradise
Estimate your return on investment for a Political Science degree using local Paradise tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $8,900 | Private avg: $24,000
Paradise avg aid: $9,357/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$94,460
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$13,065
vs HS diploma in Paradise
ROI Payback Period
7.2 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Paradise
$307,540
Lifetime earnings premium ($402,000) minus total education cost ($94,460)
Student Loan Payoff for Political Science in Paradise
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Paradise for Political Science
Paradise State University
public
$9,730/yr
$38,920 total
University of Paradise
public
$7,732/yr
$30,928 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Paradise Community College
$5,698/yr
Top Employers for Political Science in Paradise
Paradise offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Political Science graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Paradise Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences
Government agencies
Non-profits
Research institutes
Social services
Consulting
Common Political Science Job Titles
Political Science in Nearby Nevada Cities
Las Vegas, NV
$55K starting · COL 115
45 colleges
Henderson, NV
$62K starting · COL 129
12 colleges
Reno, NV
$56K starting · COL 116
21 colleges
North Las Vegas, NV
$47K starting · COL 98.5
10 colleges
Spring Valley, NV
$48K starting · COL 100.2
8 colleges
Sunrise Manor, NV
$46K starting · COL 95.8
7 colleges
Enterprise, NV
$50K starting · COL 103.8
7 colleges
Sparks, NV
$50K starting · COL 105.2
5 colleges
Other Social Sciences Majors in Paradise
International Relations
$50K starting · 5 yr ROI
Urban Planning
$50K starting · 5 yr ROI
Geography
$50K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Forensic Science
$50K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Sustainability Studies
$50K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Psychology
$44K starting · 6 yr ROI
Criminal Justice
$50K starting · 5 yr ROI
Sociology
$44K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Political Science degree outcomes in Paradise, NV: 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 Nevada.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Paradise 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 Paradise Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Nevada 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 — Nevada programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "nevada 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 Paradise — 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 Paradise.