Political Science at Saint Johns University

Collegeville, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,939/yr (-43% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #515 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

Program Analysis

Your initial earnings for Political Science and Government from Saint John's reflect a few key dynamics. As a private liberal arts institution outside a major metropolitan hub, many graduates may choose to stay within the regional labor market. Entry-level government, non-profit, or local business roles in Minnesota often offer more modest starting salaries compared to those in major political or economic centers like Washington D.C. or New York. The program likely emphasizes broad critical thinking and analytical skills, which are excellent long-term assets but don't always translate into immediate high-paying, specialized roles right after graduation. Many graduates may pursue further education, like law school or a master's in public policy, which defers higher earnings while they gain advanced qualifications. To maximize your career prospects, actively seek internships in diverse sectors and consider pairing your degree with practical skills in data analysis or project management.

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 $756K $725K $638K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.4x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$215,768
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$108,072
50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,842
210% growth from Year 1

About Saint Johns University

A 90% acceptance rate means Saint Johns University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,468 students in Collegeville, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $108,072 — 50% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Johns 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Saint Johns 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

How does Saint Johns University's Political Science program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Political Science. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Saint Johns University Political Science graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Political Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Political Science earnings lower at Saint Johns University?
Lower starting pay at Saint Johns University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →