Political Science at University of Rochester
Rochester, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings
$37,921/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI
2.4x earnings multiple
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 | $620K | $606K | $548K |
| Earnings Multiple | 2.4x | 2.4x | 2.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 37 | 37 | 33 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$257,392
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,944
71% growth from Year 1
About University of Rochester
Admission to University of Rochester is competitive, with 36% of applicants accepted, with a mid-sized student body of 6,488 in Rochester, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $120,992 over four years — 53% below sticker price.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Rochester →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 of Rochester
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
How does University of Rochester's Political Science program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Political Science. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
How affordable is Political Science at University of Rochester after financial aid?
Sticker price is $257,392, but the average net cost is $120,992 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →