Political Science and Government at Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,262/yr (-53% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #494 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 $345K $362K $364K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.9x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 30 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$193,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$181,836
6% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,750
14.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $17,262 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Sacred Heart University earn below the $36,684 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The financial case is thin at 1.9x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Political Science and Government's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a -6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,750 against $17,262/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.2 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #494 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, Sacred Heart University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 6,904 students in Fairfield, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Sacred Heart 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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Political Science and Government at Sacred Heart University?
A score of 30/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Political Science and Government. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Political Science and Government at Sacred Heart University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $20,750 against $17,262/yr starting salary means roughly 1.2 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Will AI replace Political Science and Government careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $364,435 in decade earnings vs $344,939 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Political Science and Government from Sacred Heart University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →