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Political Science and Government at Bates College

Lewiston, ME · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,055/yr (12% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #371 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	$640K	$623K	$561K
Earnings Multiple	2.5x	2.5x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	41	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$253,912

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$122,812

52% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$11,532

3.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$68,910

68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,055 at Bates College come in 12% above the national median of $36,684 for Political Science and Government programs.

The financial case is thin at 2.5x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Political Science and Government's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $41,055 far exceeding the $11,532 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #371 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, Bates College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $68,910 show a 68% jump from the $41,055 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Bates College

Bates College's 13% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, a compact campus enrolling 1,753 students in Lewiston, ME. The average net cost of $122,812 over four years represents a 52% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bates 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

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science and Government at Bates College?

A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science and Government. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Political Science and Government careers?

With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $560,876 in decade earnings vs $640,277 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is Bates College a hidden gem for Political Science and Government?

After financial aid, the average student pays $122,812 over four years — 52% below the $253,912 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →