Home › Duke University › Political Science and Government

Political Science and Government at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $54,970/yr (50% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #42 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	$851K	$809K	$701K
Earnings Multiple	3.2x	3.1x	2.7x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	60	59	54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$263,220

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$137,816

48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,016

3.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$101,627

85% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $54,970 put Duke University's Political Science and Government program 50% above the national median of $36,684 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 3.1x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 18% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $54,970 far exceeding the $14,016 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #42 ranking out of 521 Political Science and Government programs nationally puts Duke University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

Earnings growth from $54,970 to $101,627 over five years (85% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Duke University

Duke University's 7% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with a mid-sized student body of 6,417 in Durham, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $137,816 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Duke 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

Other Majors at Duke University

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

How does Duke University's Political Science and Government program score?

This program scores 59/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Political Science and Government graduates.

How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →