Political Science and Government at Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,476/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (8.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #53 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 $582K $572K $522K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.6x 11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.3x 8.2x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,556
Out-of-state: $70,116 (8.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,880
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,814
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,779
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $42,476/yr, edging above the $36,684 national average for Political Science and Government — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 12.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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.

At $20,814 in median debt against $42,476 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #53 of 521 programs, this Political Science and Government program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 45% earnings increase from $42,476 to $61,779 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater State University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 7,899 students in Bridgewater, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Bridgewater State University →

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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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

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Bridgewater State University?
At 58/100, Bridgewater State University'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 Bridgewater State University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →