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Political Science and Government at Emory University

Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $46,629/yr (27% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 2.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #328 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

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	$588K	$577K	$526K
Earnings Multiple	2.4x	2.4x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	43	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$243,096

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$95,644

61% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,500

4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$64,001

37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $46,629 put Emory University's Political Science and Government program 27% above the national median of $36,684 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

An earnings multiple of 2.4x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $46,629 far exceeding the $17,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #328 out of 521 programs, Emory University's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $46,629 to $64,001 shows 37% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Emory University

Emory University's 11% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 7,275 students in Atlanta, GA. The average net cost of $95,644 over four years represents a 61% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Emory 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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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Political Science and Government. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

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.

How affordable is Political Science and Government at Emory University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $243,096, but the average net cost is $95,644 — a 61% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

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