Public Policy Analysis at Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $56,158/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (107,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #21 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Policy Analysis graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $575K $568K $518K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$262,960
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$113,256
57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,000
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $56,158 at Hamilton College come in 21% above the national median of $46,424 for Public Policy Analysis programs.

At 2.2x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Policy Analysis career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $56,158 far exceeding the $17,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #21 ranking among 40 Public Policy Analysis programs places Hamilton College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Hamilton College

Hamilton College's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, a smaller institution with 2,045 students in Clinton, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $113,256 over four years — 57% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Hamilton College →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Policy Analysis at Other Schools

Other Majors at Hamilton College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Policy Analysis at Hamilton College?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Public Policy Analysis programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Public Policy Analysis at Hamilton College?
The 49% 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.
What do students actually pay for Public Policy Analysis at Hamilton College?
The 57% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $262,960. At a net cost of $113,256, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →