Political Science at Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
31
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
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 | $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
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,118
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,999
39% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Political Science 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 at Macalester College?
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 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 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 →