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Political Science and Government at Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,012/yr (45% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #98 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 $741K $712K $628K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.7x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,088
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$161,716
38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,500
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,169
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Bucknell University Political Science and Government graduates command $53,012/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,684 national median. That 45% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 2.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 15% 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $25,500 in median debt clears quickly against $53,012 in annual earnings.

Bucknell University ranks #98 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $53,012-to-$87,169 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Bucknell University

Admission to Bucknell University is competitive, with 32% of applicants accepted, with a smaller student body of 3,818 in Lewisburg, PA. The average net cost of $161,716 over four years represents a 38% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bucknell 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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) University of Pennsylvania ($65,473) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077)

Other Majors at Bucknell University

Computer Engineering ($90,171) Chemical Engineering ($80,653) Civil Engineering ($80,231) Mechanical Engineering ($79,391) International Relations and National Security Studies ($77,312) Accounting and Related Services ($75,776) Economics ($70,946) Marketing ($70,868)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Bucknell University?
At 55/100, Bucknell 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 Bucknell 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.
Is Bucknell University one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?
Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, Bucknell University's #98 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →