Public Policy Analysis at Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,943/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (107,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #32 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Policy Analysis graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $653K $640K $570K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$135,540
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,486
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,943 track close to the $46,424 national median for Public Policy Analysis programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

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 Public Policy Analysis's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 13% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $39,943 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #32 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs, Brandeis University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $68,486 show a 71% jump from the $39,943 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Brandeis University

Brandeis University admits 35% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a smaller student body of 3,663 in Waltham, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $135,540 — 48% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Brandeis University →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Policy Analysis at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Public Policy Analysis at Brandeis University?
A score of 36/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Public Policy Analysis. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Public Policy Analysis careers?
With 49% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $569,573 in decade earnings vs $653,268 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →