Political Science at Central Connecticut State University

New Britain, CT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,270/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 11.6x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #414 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

Program Analysis

Your earnings outlook for Political Science and Government at Central Connecticut State University highlights a common reality: while the major provides strong analytical and critical thinking skills, many initial roles for graduates tend to be in local or state government, non-profit advocacy, or administrative support within the regional labor market. These positions, particularly in Connecticut, often have more modest starting salaries compared to private sector roles or those requiring advanced degrees. The program likely focuses on preparing students for public service or further academic pursuits rather than direct, high-paying corporate pipelines. Many graduates find themselves in roles that are foundational, requiring additional experience or graduate education (like law school or public administration programs) to reach the higher salary benchmarks sometimes associated with this field. To maximize your prospects, actively pursue internships with state agencies, campaigns, or non-profits during your studies and consider pairing your degree with a minor in economics, data analysis, or a pre-professional track.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $589K $578K $527K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.6x 10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.6x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$49,840
Out-of-state: $102,944 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,740
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,000
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,907
113% growth from Year 1

About Central Connecticut State University

With 76% of applicants admitted, Central Connecticut State University prioritizes broad access, serving 7,670 students in New Britain, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Connecticut State 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 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at Central Connecticut State University?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Political Science careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $526,590 in decade earnings vs $588,734 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Political Science from Central Connecticut State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →