Political Science and Government at St Lawrence University

Canton, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,977/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #374 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 $745K $716K $631K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.8x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$255,480
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$122,244
52% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,943
117% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,977 track close to the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 15% 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 $35,977/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #374 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places St Lawrence University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,977-to-$77,943 earnings arc over five years reflects a 117% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About St Lawrence University

With a 58% acceptance rate, St Lawrence University is moderately selective, a smaller institution with 2,040 students in Canton, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $122,244 over four years — 52% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at St Lawrence 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

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Other Majors at St Lawrence University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at St Lawrence University?
At 41/100, 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 St Lawrence University?
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.
What do students actually pay for Political Science and Government at St Lawrence University?
The 52% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $255,480. At a net cost of $122,244, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →