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Political Science and Government at Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,858/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 1.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #498 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	$417K	$426K	$413K
Earnings Multiple	1.6x	1.6x	1.6x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	30	30	28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$261,828

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$109,280

58% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,700

7.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $29,858 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Carleton College earn below the $36,684 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 1.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Political Science and Government career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,700 against $29,858/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #498 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Carleton College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Carleton College

A 22% acceptance rate puts Carleton College in competitive admissions territory, a compact campus enrolling 2,019 students in Northfield, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $109,280 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Carleton College →

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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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Carleton College?

At 30/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Carleton College?

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 Carleton College a good choice for Political Science and Government despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Carleton College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at Carleton College?

The 58% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $261,828. At a net cost of $109,280, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →