Political Scienceat Santa Clara University
Graduates earn $57,111/yr in their first year — about 56.0% above the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $617K; scenarios range from $556K to $633K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Santa Clara University
The strong financial outcomes for Santa Clara's Political Science and Government program reflect its unique position in the heart of Silicon Valley. Your degree here isn't just about traditional government roles; the region's dynamic tech industry and robust non-profit sector create a distinct demand for graduates skilled in policy analysis, regulatory affairs, strategic communications, and ethical governance. You'll find opportunities in public policy roles for tech companies, legal and compliance departments, consulting firms navigating complex regulations, or advocacy groups influencing the future of technology. The university's strong alumni network and proximity to innovative companies facilitate these connections, often leading to roles with higher earning potential than purely traditional political science paths. To truly leverage this advantage, actively pursue internships that bridge your political science expertise with business, technology, or data analysis applications early in your academic journey.
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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Santa Clara University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara University
What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Santa Clara University?
At 52/100, Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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.