Political Science and Government at New York University

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,783/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #115 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 25%

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 $734K $706K $623K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 54 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$241,752
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$140,140
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$85,250
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

New York University Political Science and Government graduates command $50,783/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,684 national median. That 38% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 2.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 15% 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,500 in median debt clears quickly against $50,783 in annual earnings.

New York University ranks #115 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $50,783-to-$85,250 earnings arc over five years reflects a 68% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About New York University

Only 9% of applicants gain admission to New York University, reflecting elite selectivity, with 29,430 students enrolled in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $140,140 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at New York 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

Other Majors at New York 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 and Government at New York University?
At 54/100, New York University's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at New York 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 New York University one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?
Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, New York University's #115 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 →