Home Schools Bucknell University Political Science
Social Sciences · Political Science Rank #98 of 521

Political Scienceat Bucknell University

Graduates earn $53,012/yr in their first year — about 45.0% above the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $712K; scenarios range from $628K to $741K depending on AI disruption.

Lewisburg, PA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
55 SOLID
56
Optimistic
50
Pessimistic
Earnings
$53,012
1-year post-graduation
ROI
2.4x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$712K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
56% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Bucknell University

The impressive outcomes for Bucknell Political Science and Government graduates aren't just about the major itself. Bucknell's rigorous liberal arts foundation, coupled with its selective nature and dedicated alumni network, creates powerful pathways. You’ll develop highly sought-after analytical, research, and communication skills, often through small, seminar-style classes that foster deep critical thinking. This prepares you not just for traditional government roles but for demanding positions in consulting, finance, law, and strategic management, which the career paths reflect. Many graduates leverage robust career services and an active alumni pipeline into competitive roles in major East Coast hubs like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. To maximize your trajectory, actively pursue internships that bridge your academic interests with practical professional experience, especially outside of Lewisburg, to build your network and refine your career focus.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$628K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score50/100
Earnings Multiple2.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$712K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score55/100
Earnings Multiple2.7x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$741K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score56/100
Earnings Multiple2.9x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Bucknell University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Political Science graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Political scientists
-3.1% 10-yr growth · 500 openings/yr
$139,380/yr
Moderate
2
Managers, all other
+4.5% 10-yr growth · 106,700 openings/yr
$136,550/yr
Moderate
3
Economics teachers, postsecondary
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 1,200 openings/yr
$119,980/yr
Moderate
4
Economists
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 900 openings/yr
$115,440/yr
High
5
Political science teachers, postsecondary
+2.0% 10-yr growth · 1,600 openings/yr
$94,680/yr
Moderate
6
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
-1.6% 10-yr growth · 66,200 openings/yr
$64,580/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Political Science

How Bucknell University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Dartmouth College
NH · Private nonprofit
62
DW Score
$73K
1-yr earn
2.8x
ROI
Tufts University
MA · Private nonprofit
53
DW Score
$68K
1-yr earn
1.8x
ROI
Same state (PA)
University of Pennsylvania
PA · Private nonprofit
63
DW Score
$65K
1-yr earn
3.2x
ROI
Princeton University
NJ · Private nonprofit
60
DW Score
$63K
1-yr earn
2.9x
ROI
Top score
University of Maryland Global Campus
MD · Public
72
DW Score
$62K
1-yr earn
21.0x
ROI
Also at Bucknell University

Other top programs at Bucknell University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Bucknell University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Political Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Political Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Political Science at Bucknell University

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Bucknell University?

At 55/100, Bucknell University's Political Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at Bucknell University?

The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Bucknell University one of the best schools for Political Science?

Among 521 Political Science programs, Bucknell University's #98 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.