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Political Science and Government at SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,158/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 15.0x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #232 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	$513K	$511K	$476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.1x	15.0x	14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.8x	6.8x	6.3x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	49	48	46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,944

Out-of-state: $75,624 (6.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,916

-68% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,700

6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,581

41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

SUNY Buffalo State University's Political Science and Government program produces graduates earning $35,158/yr — within striking distance of the $36,684 national average for this field.

With a 15.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Political Science and Government career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,700 against $35,158/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #232 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places SUNY Buffalo State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 41% earnings increase from $35,158 to $49,581 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About SUNY Buffalo State University

A 76% acceptance rate means SUNY Buffalo State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,358 students in Buffalo, NY. 53% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY Buffalo State 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 and Government at Other Schools

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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

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at SUNY Buffalo State University?

At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at SUNY Buffalo State 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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →