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Political Science and Government at Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,426/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #250 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 50%

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 $764K $732K $643K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.2x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$225,440
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$185,096
18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,620
112% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,426/yr, Political Science and Government graduates from Fairfield University land near the $36,684 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 16% 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.

At $27,000 against $38,426/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #250 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Fairfield University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $38,426-to-$81,620 earnings arc over five years reflects a 112% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Fairfield University

Fairfield University accepts 45% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 4,938 students in Fairfield, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Fairfield 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 Fairfield University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($91,418) Economics ($74,023) Accounting and Related Services ($71,747) Finance and Financial Management Services ($62,952) Mechanical Engineering ($62,846) Marketing ($53,891) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($50,558) International Relations and National Security Studies ($49,239)

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 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Fairfield University?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science and Government programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Fairfield 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →