Political Science at Mercyhurst University
Erie, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,711/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
3.3x 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 | $597K | $585K | $532K |
| Earnings Multiple | 3.4x | 3.3x | 3.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 37 | 37 | 34 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$178,040
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,520
74% growth from Year 1
About Mercyhurst University
With 83% of applicants admitted, Mercyhurst University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,217 students in Erie, PA. The average net cost of $109,052 over four years represents a 39% discount from published tuition.
See all programs and financial aid at Mercyhurst University →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 Mercyhurst University
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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at Mercyhurst University?
A score of 37/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Political Science careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $532,402 in decade earnings vs $597,471 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →