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Political Science and Government at Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,439/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 2.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #455 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

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	$541K	$536K	$495K
Earnings Multiple	2.1x	2.1x	1.9x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	36	35	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$259,632

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$119,920

54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,118

7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,999

39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,439 at Macalester College come in 8% above the national median of $36,684 for Political Science and Government programs.

At 2.1x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 9% 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.

At $23,118 against $39,439/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #455 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Macalester College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 39% earnings increase from $39,439 to $54,999 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Macalester College

Macalester College accepts 28% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a smaller student body of 2,131 in Saint Paul, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $119,920 — 54% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Macalester College →

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

Other Majors at Macalester College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Macalester College?

At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Macalester College?

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.

What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at Macalester College?

The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $259,632. At a net cost of $119,920, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

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