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Political Science and Government at Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,684/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #340 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 $600K $588K $534K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.1x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$192,008
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$111,036
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,962
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $41,684 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Randolph-Macon College earn slightly above the $36,684 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 11% 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 $27,000 against $41,684/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #340 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Randolph-Macon College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $41,684-to-$63,962 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Randolph-Macon College

With 83% of applicants admitted, Randolph-Macon College prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,489 in Ashland, VA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $111,036 — 42% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Randolph-Macon 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

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 Randolph-Macon College

Business/Commerce, General ($51,366) Accounting and Related Services ($49,557) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($43,825) Communication and Media Studies ($40,328) Sociology ($39,656) Psychology, General ($35,967) Biology, General ($33,361) English Language and Literature, General ($27,110)

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

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Randolph-Macon College?
At 43/100, 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 Randolph-Macon 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 →