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Political Science and Government at University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
64
Optimistic
63
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $65,473/yr (78% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #11 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 5%

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 $892K $845K $728K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.2x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 63 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,416
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$124,916
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,250
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$111,976
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Pennsylvania Political Science and Government graduates command $65,473/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,684 national median. That 78% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 18% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $14,250 in median debt clears quickly against $65,473 in annual earnings.

Ranked #11 out of 521 programs, University of Pennsylvania's Political Science and Government program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $65,473 to $111,976 over five years (71% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Pennsylvania

Only 6% of applicants gain admission to University of Pennsylvania, reflecting elite selectivity, serving 10,768 students in Philadelphia, PA. The average net cost of $124,916 over four years represents a 53% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Pennsylvania →

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

Compare this program → View all 521 schools offering Political Science and Government →

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($72,618) Tufts University ($67,713) Princeton University ($63,317) University of Maryland Global Campus ($62,476) Harvard University ($61,543) Amherst College ($61,125) Columbia University in the City of New York ($61,077) Bowdoin College ($60,626)

Compare Political Science and Government

University of Pennsylvania vs Dartmouth College → University of Pennsylvania vs University of Maryland Global Campus → University of Pennsylvania vs Harvard University →

Other Majors at University of Pennsylvania

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($146,204) Statistics ($129,732) Computer Science ($124,678) Finance and Financial Management Services ($122,698) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($104,502) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($93,310) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($91,443) Economics ($89,097)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Political Science and Government trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does University of Pennsylvania's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 63/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Political Science and Government graduates.
How vulnerable is Political Science and Government to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Political Science and Government careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Pennsylvania rank so high for Political Science and Government?
The #11 ranking out of 521 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is Political Science and Government at University of Pennsylvania after financial aid?
Sticker price is $264,416, but the average net cost is $124,916 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →