Political Science at Denison University

Granville, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,272/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #500 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

Program Analysis

Denison's Political Science program, true to its liberal arts foundation, excels at developing critical thinking, sophisticated writing, and broad analytical skills rather than direct vocational training. This means your initial career path might not immediately align with the highest earning potentials seen in more pre-professional fields. Many graduates find themselves in non-profits, local government, or entry-level analyst roles where the intellectual rigor of a Denison degree is valued, but starting salaries reflect public service or generalist positions. The program's strength lies in preparing you for graduate studies—law school, public policy, or advanced economics—which often unlock the higher-paying careers listed. Given the high AI risk, focusing on developing uniquely human skills like complex negotiation, ethical reasoning, and cross-cultural communication will be crucial for your long-term success.

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 $637K $621K $559K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.4x 2.2x
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)
$256,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,444
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,125
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,179
102% growth from Year 1

About Denison University

Denison University accepts 17% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a smaller institution with 2,398 students in Granville, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $152,444 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Denison 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

Other Majors at Denison University

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 does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Denison University?
At 30/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at Denison 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →