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Political Science and Government at State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,676/yr (-33% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 17.6x earnings multiple (8.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #318 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	$615K	$601K	$544K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.0x	17.6x	16.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.3x	8.2x	7.4x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	44	43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$34,096

Out-of-state: $73,736 (8.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,924

-117% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,472

9.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,178

128% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $24,676 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from State University of New York at New Paltz earn below the $36,684 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 17.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% 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 $18,472 against $24,676/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #318 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places State University of New York at New Paltz in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,676-to-$56,178 earnings arc over five years reflects a 128% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About State University of New York at New Paltz

State University of New York at New Paltz accepts 59% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 6,022 in New Paltz, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at State University of New York at New Paltz →

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 State University of New York at New Paltz

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at State University of New York at New Paltz?

At 44/100, 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 State University of New York at New Paltz?

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 State University of New York at New Paltz a good choice for Political Science and Government despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If State University of New York at New Paltz's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →