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Public Policy Analysis at University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $60,057/yr (29% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (107,800 openings/yr)

ROI 3.0x earnings multiple

Ranked #8 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Policy Analysis graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$843K	$814K	$695K
Earnings Multiple	3.1x	3.0x	2.6x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	50%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	57	56	51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$267,756

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$75,868

72% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,492

3.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$99,986

66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Chicago Public Policy Analysis graduates command $60,057/yr out of the gate, well above the $46,424 national median. That 29% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Policy Analysis career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,492 in median debt clears quickly against $60,057 in annual earnings.

University of Chicago ranks #8 among 40 Public Policy Analysis programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $60,057-to-$99,986 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Chicago

Only 5% of applicants gain admission to University of Chicago, reflecting elite selectivity, serving 7,540 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $75,868 over four years represents a 72% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Chicago →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr

Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Policy Analysis at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Policy Analysis at University of Chicago?

At 56/100, University of Chicago's Public Policy Analysis program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Public Policy Analysis at University of Chicago?

The 49% 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 University of Chicago one of the best schools for Public Policy Analysis?

Among 40 Public Policy Analysis programs, University of Chicago's #8 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

What do students actually pay for Public Policy Analysis at University of Chicago?

The 72% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $267,756. At a net cost of $75,868, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

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