Political Scienceat University of Maryland-College Park
Graduates earn $42,688/yr in their first year — about 16.0% above the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $695K; scenarios range from $615K to $722K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Maryland-College Park
Your strong earnings potential from UMD's Political Science program is largely a direct result of its prime location just outside Washington D.C. This proximity creates unparalleled access to federal government agencies, congressional offices, think tanks, and advocacy organizations, all eager to recruit UMD graduates. You'll find direct pipelines into roles at the State Department, Capitol Hill, various NGOs, or policy consulting firms, where a robust understanding of governance and policy is highly valued. The program's reputation and strong alumni network further open doors, often leading to rapid advancement in these competitive fields. To maximize your success in this dynamic, high-stakes environment, actively seek out multiple D.C.-based internships; these experiences are crucial for building the practical skills and connections that translate directly into your post-graduation career.
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 University of Maryland-College Park'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 University of Maryland-College Park stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Maryland-College Park
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Maryland-College Park, 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 University of Maryland-College Park
What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at University of Maryland-College Park?
At 64/100, University of Maryland-College Park'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 University of Maryland-College Park?
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.
Is University of Maryland-College Park one of the best schools for Political Science?
Among 521 Political Science programs, University of Maryland-College Park's #5 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.