Political Scienceat Union College
Graduates earn $49,759/yr in their first year — about 36.0% above the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $696K; scenarios range from $616K to $723K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Union College
Union College's Political Science and Government program consistently delivers exceptional outcomes, far exceeding the national average for this major. This strong performance stems from the rigorous liberal arts foundation, honing your critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills—qualities highly sought after across diverse industries. Schenectady's proximity to New York's state capital in Albany offers unparalleled internship and networking opportunities in government, law, and policy, often leading to early career advantages.
Beyond traditional political roles, Union’s graduates frequently leverage their adaptable skill set into management, consulting, and economic analysis positions. The program’s interdisciplinary approach and strong alumni network are crucial pipelines into these competitive fields, often in the Northeast's major urban centers. To maximize your potential, actively engage with the career services office early to explore these varied pathways and secure internships that align with your broader professional aspirations.
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 Union College'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 Union College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Union College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Union College, 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 Union College
What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Union College?
At 52/100, Union College'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 Union College?
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.