Political Science and Government at Skidmore College

Saratoga Springs, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,756/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #433 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 $526K $522K $485K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$138,324
47% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,550
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,623
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,756 at Skidmore College come in 17% above the national median of $36,684 for Political Science and Government programs.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,550 debt-to-$42,756 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #433 out of 521 programs, Skidmore College's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $42,756 to $53,623 shows 25% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Skidmore College

Skidmore College accepts 23% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a smaller student body of 2,760 in Saratoga Springs, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $138,324 over four years — 47% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Skidmore 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

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Other Majors at Skidmore College

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

How does Skidmore College's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Political Science and Government. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →