Political Science and Government at University of Vermont

Burlington, VT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,594/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 8.0x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #360 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Political Science and Government graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $619K $604K $547K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.2x 8.0x 7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.4x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$75,560
Out-of-state: $175,560 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,440
-10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,321
94% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,594/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from University of Vermont land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 8.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Political Science and Government career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,000 against $31,594/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #360 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places University of Vermont in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,594-to-$61,321 earnings arc over five years reflects a 94% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Vermont

University of Vermont accepts 60% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 11,614 in Burlington, VT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Vermont →

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 and Government at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Vermont

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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at University of Vermont?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at University of Vermont?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →