Political Science and Government at Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
56
Optimistic
56
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,626/yr (65% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #76 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 $694K $671K $597K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 56 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,640
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,144
68% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,634
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$83,716
38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $60,626 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Bowdoin College significantly outpace the $36,684 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 2.6x 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 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $19,634 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #76 out of 521 programs, Bowdoin College's Political Science and Government program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $60,626 to $83,716 shows 38% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Bowdoin College

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Bowdoin College ranks among the nation's most selective schools, a compact campus enrolling 1,846 students in Brunswick, ME. The average net cost of $83,144 over four years represents a 68% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bowdoin 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

Other Majors at Bowdoin College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bowdoin College's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 56/100, 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.
Why does Bowdoin College rank so high for Political Science and Government?
The #76 ranking out of 521 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is Political Science and Government at Bowdoin College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $259,640, but the average net cost is $83,144 — a 68% 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 →