Political Science and Government at Canisius University

Buffalo, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,797/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #406 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Political Science and Government graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $628K $612K $553K
Earnings Multiple 4.8x 4.7x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$130,880
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,288
44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,027
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,462
96% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,797/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from Canisius University land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 4.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,027 debt-to-$31,797 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #406 out of 521 programs, Canisius University's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $31,797 to $62,462 over five years (96% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Canisius University

With 82% of applicants admitted, Canisius University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,768 students in Buffalo, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $73,288 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Canisius University →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Canisius University's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Political Science and Government. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →