DegreeCalc

Political Science Degree in Sioux Falls, SD — Salary & ROI 2026

Political Science degree analysis for Sioux Falls, SD. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$52K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$78K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.2 yrs

in Sioux Falls

Cost of Living

108

index (100 = avg)

Political Science in Sioux Falls, SD Overview

Sioux Falls, South Dakota (pop. 192,517) has 10 colleges offering Political Science programs. The local cost of living index of 108 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $929/month. Political Science enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Policy Analysis and Research. The adjusted starting salary in Sioux Falls is approximately $51,840.

Category

Social Sciences

Local Colleges

10

Public Tuition

$11,703/yr

Private Tuition

$29,690/yr

Room & Board

$10,050/yr

Avg Fin. Aid

$7,473/yr

Unemployment

3.6%

Graduation Rate

67%

Political Science Salary in Sioux Falls (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Sioux Falls's cost of living index of 108 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,840(+$3,840 vs national)
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
$77,760(+$5,760 vs national)
Senior Level (15+ yrs)
$102,600(+$7,600 vs national)

Note: National average Political Science salary: $48,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $95,000 senior level.Sioux Falls adjustment factor: 1.08x based on the local cost of living index.

Political Science ROI Calculator for Sioux Falls

Estimate your return on investment for a Political Science degree using local Sioux Falls tuition and cost of living data.

Public avg: $11,703 | Private avg: $29,690

Sioux Falls avg aid: $7,473/yr

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$87,012

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$14,040

vs HS diploma in Sioux Falls

ROI Payback Period

6.2 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Sioux Falls

$344,988

Lifetime earnings premium ($432,000) minus total education cost ($87,012)

Student Loan Payoff for Political Science in Sioux Falls

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$87,012
Monthly Payment$988
Total Interest$31,548
% of Monthly Income23%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$87,012
Monthly Payment$1,702
Total Interest$15,137
Interest Savings$16,411

Colleges in Sioux Falls for Political Science

Augustana University

private

$38,070/yr

$152,280 total

University of Sioux Falls

private

$21,310/yr

$85,240 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Southeast Technical College

$5,250/yr

Top Employers for Political Science in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Political Science graduates. National top employers in this field include:

US GovernmentCampaign OrganizationsThink TanksLaw FirmsNon-Profits

Key Sioux Falls Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences

Government agencies

Non-profits

Research institutes

Social services

Consulting

Common Political Science Job Titles

Policy AnalystLegislative AidePolitical ConsultantLobbyist

Political Science in Nearby South Dakota Cities

Political Science Degree in Sioux Falls — 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 Sioux Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators