Political Science at Montana State University
Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
54
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,476/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
17.3x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
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 | $569K | $560K | $513K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 17.6x | 17.3x | 15.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.5x | 4.5x | 4.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 54 | 54 | 51 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,332
Out-of-state: $125,348 (4.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,050
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,263
61% growth from Year 1
About Montana State University
A 87% acceptance rate means Montana State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 14,472 students in Bozeman, MT.
See all programs and financial aid at Montana State 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 Montana State University
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Montana State University?
At 54/100, Montana State University's Political Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at Montana State University?
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.
Is Montana State University one of the best schools for Political Science?
Among 521 Political Science programs, Montana State University's #112 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →