Political Science and Government at Suffolk University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,845/yr (22% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #151 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 50%

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 $696K $672K $598K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.7x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 52 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$181,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$120,124
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,636
73% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $44,845/yr, edging above the $36,684 national average for Political Science and Government — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 3.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt-to-$44,845 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #151 out of 521 programs, Suffolk University's Political Science and Government offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $44,845 to $77,636 over five years (73% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Suffolk University

Suffolk University has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 4,434 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $120,124 — 34% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Suffolk 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

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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 Suffolk University's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 52/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Political Science and Government graduates.
How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →