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Political Science and Government at Quinnipiac University

Hamden, CT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,440/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #450 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 $827K $788K $685K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.7x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$212,360
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$156,828
26% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
12.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,871
191% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,440/yr fall 28% below the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 3.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $26,440 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #450 out of 521 programs, Quinnipiac University's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $26,440 to $76,871 over five years (191% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 6,208 students in Hamden, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Quinnipiac 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 Quinnipiac University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($84,856) Accounting and Related Services ($75,566) Civil Engineering ($73,064) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($69,600) Mechanical Engineering ($65,640) Management Information Systems and Services ($62,538) Marketing ($52,059) Finance and Financial Management Services ($51,589)

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

How does Quinnipiac University's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Political Science and Government. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Quinnipiac University Political Science and Government graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Political Science and Government earnings lower at Quinnipiac University?
Lower starting pay at Quinnipiac University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →