Political Science at Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,600/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
9.6x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
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 | $416K | $425K | $412K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.4x | 9.6x | 9.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.1x | 6.2x | 6.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 36 | 35 | 34 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,184
Out-of-state: $68,504 (6.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
About Fitchburg State University
With 90% of applicants admitted, Fitchburg State University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,825 students in Fitchburg, MA.
See all programs and financial aid at Fitchburg State University →Top Career Paths
Political scientists
$139,380/yr
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary
$119,980/yr
Compare & Explore
Political Science 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 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Fitchburg State University?
At 35/100, 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 Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State University a good choice for Political Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Fitchburg State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →