Political Scienceat New York University
Graduates earn $50,783/yr in their first year — about 38.0% above the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $706K; scenarios range from $623K to $734K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at New York University
Your NYU Political Science and Government degree carries the significant weight of the university's global reputation and its prime location in New York City. This combination naturally opens doors to top-tier roles across finance, consulting, law, media, international organizations, and government agencies that actively recruit from NYU. Your rigorous analytical training, combined with unparalleled internship access in a global hub, prepares you for sophisticated positions where critical thinking and communication are highly valued.
While many administrative and data-centric aspects of these fields face considerable AI risk, your ability to apply complex reasoning, engage in strategic decision-making, and navigate nuanced human and political landscapes will remain indispensable. Leverage NYU’s powerful alumni network and New York’s diverse industries from day one; building those connections is your strongest asset for career resilience and advancement.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to New York University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Political Science
How New York University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at New York University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at New York University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Political Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Political Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Political Science at New York University
What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at New York University?
At 54/100, New York 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 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?
Among 521 Political Science programs, New York University's #115 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.