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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Peer schools offering Political Science
How Bucknell University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
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 →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.