Political Science at SUNY Buffalo State University
Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
46
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,700
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,581
41% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Political Science at Other Schools
Other Majors at SUNY Buffalo State 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
What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at SUNY Buffalo State University?
At 48/100, 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 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 →