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Political Science and Government at Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,704/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #405 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 $621K $606K $548K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.3x 9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.3x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,064
Out-of-state: $96,504 (6.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,636
4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,252
118% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,704 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Montclair State University earn below the $36,684 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 10.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% 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 $23,500 against $26,704/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #405 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Montclair State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,704-to-$58,252 earnings arc over five years reflects a 118% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Montclair State University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Montclair State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 17,677 students in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Montclair State 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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Other Majors at Montclair State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($104,219) Accounting and Related Services ($56,917) Chemistry ($55,389) Mathematics ($50,810) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($47,487) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($46,739) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($46,343) Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($43,985)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Montclair State University?
At 39/100, 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 Montclair 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 Montclair State University a good choice for Political Science and Government despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Montclair State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →