Political Scienceat State University of New York at New Paltz
Graduates earn $24,676/yr in their first year — about 33.0% below the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $601K; scenarios range from $544K to $615K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at State University of New York at New Paltz
The earnings profile for Political Science at New Paltz reflects a regional labor market less concentrated with the high-paying policy analysis or corporate government relations roles found in major hubs. Many graduates find fulfilling work in local government, community non-profits, or education within the Hudson Valley, where compensation structures differ from national averages for the most specialized roles. While the program offers a strong liberal arts foundation, its graduates often begin in broader administrative or community engagement positions. The higher-earning career paths frequently require advanced degrees or relocation to major political centers. Given the nature of entry-level work and the increasing AI risk in information processing roles, actively pursue multiple internships during your studies, ideally in diverse settings, to build a specialized skillset and network that can elevate your post-graduation trajectory.
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 State University of New York at New Paltz'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 State University of New York at New Paltz stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at State University of New York at New Paltz
Other highest-scoring programs offered at State University of New York at New Paltz, 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 State University of New York at New Paltz
What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at State University of New York at New Paltz?
At 44/100, 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 State University of New York at New Paltz?
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 State University of New York at New Paltz a good choice for Political Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If State University of New York at New Paltz's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.