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Political Science and Government at Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $67,713/yr (85% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

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

ROI 2.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #131 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 25%

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	$637K	$620K	$559K
Earnings Multiple	2.3x	2.3x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	54	53	48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$271,376

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$141,740

48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,850

3.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$76,532

13% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $67,713 per year, Political Science and Government graduates from Tufts University significantly outpace the $36,684 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 2.3x 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.

The median debt load of $17,850 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Tufts University ranks #131 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $67,713 to $76,532 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Tufts University

With just 10% of applicants admitted, Tufts University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving 6,804 students in Medford, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $141,740 — 48% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Tufts 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 Tufts 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 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at Tufts University?

At 53/100, Tufts University's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at Tufts 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.

Is Tufts University one of the best schools for Political Science and Government?

Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, Tufts University's #131 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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