Political Science at University at Albany
Albany, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,821
62% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Political Science at Other Schools
Other Majors at University at Albany
Consider the Trade Route?
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 at University at Albany?
At 47/100, 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 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 →