Political Science and Government at Rutgers University-Newark

Newark, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,723/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.7x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #96 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 $667K $647K $579K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.1x 9.7x 8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.6x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$66,344
Out-of-state: $141,392 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,628
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,531
80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Rutgers University-Newark's Political Science and Government graduates start at $39,723/yr — above the $36,684 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 9.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 13% 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 $21,500 against $39,723/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Rutgers University-Newark ranks #96 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $39,723-to-$71,531 earnings arc over five years reflects a 80% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Rutgers University-Newark

A 79% acceptance rate means Rutgers University-Newark is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 7,187 in Newark, NJ. 56% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Rutgers University-Newark →

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 Rutgers University-Newark

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 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Rutgers University-Newark?
At 55/100, Rutgers University-Newark'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 Rutgers University-Newark?
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 Rutgers University-Newark one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?
Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, Rutgers University-Newark's #96 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 →