Political Science and Government at Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,232/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #355 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 $621K $606K $548K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,244
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,104
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,091
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,317
56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Syracuse University's Political Science and Government graduates start at $43,232/yr — above the $36,684 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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 $26,091 against $43,232/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #355 ranking among 521 Political Science and Government programs places Syracuse University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $43,232-to-$67,317 earnings arc over five years reflects a 56% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University's 42% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 15,245 students in Syracuse, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $164,104 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Syracuse 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 Syracuse University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Syracuse University?
At 42/100, 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 Syracuse 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →