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Political Science and Government at University at Albany

Albany, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
47
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,251/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #265 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

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 $550K $543K $501K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.2x 13.0x 12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.7x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 47 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,632
Out-of-state: $115,992 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,944
-78% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,821
62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,251/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from University at Albany land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 13.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $19,500 against $33,251/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #265 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places University at Albany in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $33,251-to-$53,821 earnings arc over five years reflects a 62% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University at Albany

University at Albany accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 12,100 students in Albany, NY. With 42% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Albany →

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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Other Majors at University at Albany

Applied Mathematics ($65,604) Accounting and Related Services ($55,124) Mathematics and Statistics, Other ($51,917) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($49,759) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,605) Chemistry ($48,276) Mathematics ($45,744) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($45,637)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University at Albany?
At 47/100, 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 University at Albany?
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 →