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Political Science and Government at Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $61,125/yr (67% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #91 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 25%

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 $691K $668K $594K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.5x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$269,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,984
73% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$83,307
36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Amherst College's Political Science and Government program earn $61,125/yr in their first year — 67% above the $36,684 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 14% 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.

Amherst College ranks #91 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 36% earnings increase from $61,125 to $83,307 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Amherst College

Amherst College admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a smaller student body of 1,907 in Amherst, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $72,984 — 73% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Amherst 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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077) Bowdoin College ($60,626)

Other Majors at Amherst College

Computer Science ($100,596) Economics ($90,568) Mathematics ($78,500) History ($56,444) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($49,322) Area Studies ($49,149) Research and Experimental Psychology ($45,786) English Language and Literature, General ($41,979)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Amherst College?
At 55/100, Amherst College's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Amherst College?
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 Amherst College one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?
Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, Amherst College's #91 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at Amherst College?
The 73% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $269,120. At a net cost of $72,984, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →