Political Scienceat Harvard University
Graduates earn $61,543/yr in their first year — about 68.0% above the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $901K; scenarios range from $770K to $955K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Harvard University
Studying Political Science and Government at Harvard places you within an unparalleled ecosystem, directly impacting your post-graduation trajectory. Your experience here extends far beyond the classroom, with robust recruiting pipelines to top-tier consulting firms, investment banks, law schools, and federal agencies. The program's global reputation and the extensive alumni network act as powerful accelerators, opening doors in competitive fields where analytical rigor and strategic thinking are highly valued. Cambridge's proximity to Boston also offers unique opportunities in state government, think tanks, and the burgeoning tech policy sector. While certain traditional roles face significant AI disruption, your ability to integrate quantitative methods or interdisciplinary studies will be key. Lean into advanced data analysis or policy-tech coursework to build a highly adaptable and future-proof career.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Harvard University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Political Science
How Harvard University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Harvard University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Harvard University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Political Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Political Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Political Science at Harvard University
What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Harvard University?
At 64/100, Harvard University's Political Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science 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?
Among 521 Political Science 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 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.