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Political Science and Government at Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $61,543/yr (68% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 3.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #6 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 1%

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	$955K	$901K	$770K
Earnings Multiple	4.0x	3.8x	3.3x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	65	64	59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$236,304

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,264

72% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$117,484

91% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $61,543 put Harvard University's Political Science and Government program 68% above the national median of $36,684 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 3.8x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 19% 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.

Among 521 Political Science and Government programs nationally, Harvard University ranks #6 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The $61,543-to-$117,484 earnings arc over five years reflects a 91% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Harvard University

Harvard University's 3% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, enrolling 7,755 students in Cambridge, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $67,264 — 72% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Harvard 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

Compare Political Science and Government

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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 does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Harvard University?

At 64/100, Harvard University's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Harvard 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 Harvard University one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?

Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, Harvard University's #6 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at Harvard University?

The 72% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $236,304. At a net cost of $67,264, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

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