Political Science and Government at Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $56,817/yr (55% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #54 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 10%

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 $784K $750K $657K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,440
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,408
77% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,750
2.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$94,412
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Williams College Political Science and Government graduates command $56,817/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,684 national median. That 55% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

An earnings multiple of 2.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $10,750 in median debt clears quickly against $56,817 in annual earnings.

A #54 ranking out of 521 Political Science and Government programs nationally puts Williams College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

Earnings growth from $56,817 to $94,412 over five years (66% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Williams College

Only 10% of applicants gain admission to Williams College, reflecting elite selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 2,060 students in Williamstown, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $59,408 — 77% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Williams College →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Williams College's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 58/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Political Science and Government graduates.
How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government 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 and Government at Williams College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $259,440, but the average net cost is $59,408 — a 77% 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 →