Political Science at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras

San Juan, PR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,819/yr (-46% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 20.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #479 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

Program Analysis

Your earnings for this degree reflect the unique economic landscape of Puerto Rico and the general career path for many political science graduates. The local job market, while vibrant in public service and advocacy, typically offers lower compensation compared to mainland U.S. opportunities, particularly for entry-level roles in government, non-profits, or local campaigns. Many of the higher-paying careers associated with this field, such as political scientists or economists, generally require advanced degrees or extensive experience beyond a bachelor's, which isn't typically reflected in early-career salaries. Furthermore, the very high AI risk for many analytical roles common in political science means that foundational skills alone may not be enough to secure competitive positions long-term. To maximize your career prospects and overcome these challenges, focus on developing specialized, less-automatable skills in areas like data analysis, advanced policy research, or strategic communications, and critically consider pursuing graduate studies or law school to differentiate yourself.

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 $417K $426K $412K
Earnings Multiple 19.6x 20.0x 19.4x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$21,296
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$26,028
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,750
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,797
55% growth from Year 1

About University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras

University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras's 53% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 8,748 students in San Juan, PR. Pell Grant recipients make up 65% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras →

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

Political Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras?
At 33/100, 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 of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras?
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 Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras a good choice for Political Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →