Political Science and Government at CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
58
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,154/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 21.3x earnings multiple (10.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #57 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 $646K $628K $565K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.9x 21.3x 19.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.5x 10.2x 9.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 58 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,528
Out-of-state: $61,328 (10.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$9,784
67% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,391
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,568
89% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,154/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from CUNY Hunter College land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 21.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% 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.

The median debt load of $13,391 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

CUNY Hunter College ranks #57 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $35,154-to-$66,568 earnings arc over five years reflects a 89% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About CUNY Hunter College

CUNY Hunter College accepts 54% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 16,642 students in New York, NY. With 55% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $9,784 over four years — 67% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at CUNY Hunter 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 CUNY Hunter College

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at CUNY Hunter College?
At 58/100, CUNY Hunter College'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 CUNY Hunter College?
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 CUNY Hunter College one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?
Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, CUNY Hunter College's #57 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at CUNY Hunter College?
The 67% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $29,528. At a net cost of $9,784, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →