Political Scienceat University of Pennsylvania
Graduates earn $65,473/yr in their first year — about 78.0% above the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $845K; scenarios range from $728K to $892K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Pennsylvania
A Political Science and Government degree from UPenn leverages the university's elite reputation and extensive alumni network, propelling graduates into influential roles across diverse sectors. Your strong analytical, research, and communication skills, honed by a rigorous curriculum and often supplemented by internships in Philadelphia or Washington D.C., make you highly attractive to employers in consulting, finance, law, public policy, and corporate management. This broad appeal explains the significant earning potential, as many roles leverage your critical thinking beyond traditional "political scientist" titles. While AI presents a very high risk to tasks involving data synthesis and routine analysis, the uniquely human elements of strategic decision-making, ethical reasoning, and complex stakeholder negotiation remain paramount. Focus on developing these indispensable soft skills and leadership abilities to thrive.
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 Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Pennsylvania
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
How does University of Pennsylvania's Political Science program score?
This program scores 63/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Political Science graduates.
How vulnerable is Political Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Pennsylvania rank so high for Political Science?
The #11 ranking out of 521 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is Political Science at University of Pennsylvania after financial aid?
Sticker price is $264,416, but the average net cost is $124,916 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.