Political Science at Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,252
118% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Political Science at Other Schools
Other Majors at Montclair 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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Montclair State University?
At 39/100, 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 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 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 →