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Political Science and Government at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,476/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 17.3x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #112 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 25%

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	$569K	$560K	$513K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.6x	17.3x	15.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.5x	4.5x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	54	54	51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,332

Out-of-state: $125,348 (4.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$82,372

-155% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,050

6.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,263

61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Montana State University's Political Science and Government program produces graduates earning $35,476/yr — within striking distance of the $36,684 national average for this field.

With a 17.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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 $18,050 against $35,476/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Montana State University ranks #112 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $35,476-to-$57,263 earnings arc over five years reflects a 61% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Montana State University

A 87% acceptance rate means Montana State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 14,472 students in Bozeman, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana State 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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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 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Montana State University?

At 54/100, Montana State University's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Montana State 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 Montana State University one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?

Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, Montana State University's #112 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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