Political Scienceat University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
Graduates earn $19,819/yr in their first year — about 46.0% below the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $426K; scenarios range from $412K to $417K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
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.
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 Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras'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 Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, 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 Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
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.