Political Science at University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings
$27,495/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
14.9x earnings multiple (5.2x 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 | $660K | $640K | $574K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.3x | 14.9x | 13.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.4x | 5.2x | 4.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 47 | 46 | 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)
$43,128
Out-of-state: $122,288 (5.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,014
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,844
129% growth from Year 1
About University at Buffalo
With a 69% acceptance rate, University at Buffalo is moderately selective, serving a student body of 20,284 in Buffalo, NY.
See all programs and financial aid at University at Buffalo →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 Buffalo
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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science at University at Buffalo?
A score of 46/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Political Science careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $573,915 in decade earnings vs $659,882 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Political Science from University at Buffalo?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →