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Public Policy Analysis at Brown University

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $58,161/yr (25% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (107,800 openings/yr)

ROI 2.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #22 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	$587K	$579K	$526K
Earnings Multiple	2.2x	2.1x	1.9x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	50%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	45	44	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$272,920

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$106,288

61% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$10,000

2.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $58,161 put Brown University's Public Policy Analysis program 25% above the national median of $46,424 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The financial case is thin at 2.1x — 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 10% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $58,161 far exceeding the $10,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #22 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs, Brown University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Brown University

Brown University's 5% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with a mid-sized student body of 7,273 in Providence, RI. The average net cost of $106,288 over four years represents a 61% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Brown 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 Brown University?

A score of 44/100 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 $525,986 in decade earnings vs $587,108 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is Brown University a hidden gem for Public Policy Analysis?

After financial aid, the average student pays $106,288 over four years — 61% below the $272,920 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 →