Political Science and Government at Hope College

Holland, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,389/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #476 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 $432K $439K $422K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$161,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$102,996
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,499
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,389 track close to the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 2.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 2% 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 $24,499 against $32,389/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #476 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Hope College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Hope College

Hope College has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 3,274 students in Holland, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $102,996 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Hope 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

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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 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Hope College?
At 33/100, 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 Hope 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →