Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $53,632 put Lehigh University's Political Science and Government program 46% above the national median of $36,684 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
An earnings multiple of 2.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $53,632 far exceeding the $21,150 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #85 out of 521 programs, Lehigh University's Political Science and Government program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth from $53,632 to $88,889 over five years (66% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.