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Political Science and Government at Kean University

Union, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,436/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #392 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	$546K	$540K	$498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.2x	10.1x	9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.5x	6.4x	5.9x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	40	40	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$53,704

Out-of-state: $84,304 (6.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,672

9% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,250

7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,078

71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,436/yr fall 17% below the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 10.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $18,250 against $30,436/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #392 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Kean University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,436-to-$52,078 earnings arc over five years reflects a 71% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Kean University

Kean University has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 10,842 students in Union, NJ. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Kean 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 Kean 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

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Kean University?

At 40/100, 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 Kean 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.

Is Kean University a good choice for Political Science and Government despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Kean University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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