Political Science and Government at Misericordia University

Dallas, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,560/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #469 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 $466K $469K $445K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$153,480
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$99,316
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,067
15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,560/yr, roughly in line with the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 3.1x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$37,560 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #469 out of 521 programs, Misericordia University's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $37,560 to $43,067 over five years (15% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Misericordia University

Misericordia University accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 1,632 students in Dallas, PA. The average net cost of $99,316 over four years represents a 35% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Misericordia University →

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

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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

How does Misericordia University's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 34/100 — on the lower end for Political Science and Government. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →