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Public Policy Analysis at Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $57,023/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (107,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #23 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs

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 $580K $573K $521K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$255,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,160
70% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $57,023 at Vanderbilt University come in 23% above the national median of $46,424 for Public Policy Analysis programs.

The financial case is thin at 2.2x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Public Policy Analysis's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #23 of 40 Public Policy Analysis programs, Vanderbilt University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University's 6% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with a mid-sized student body of 7,143 in Nashville, TN. The average net cost of $76,160 over four years represents a 70% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Vanderbilt University →

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

Compare this program → View all 40 schools offering Public Policy Analysis →

Public Policy Analysis at Other Schools

Cornell University ($77,906) Princeton University ($73,630) Dickinson College ($61,592) Duke University ($60,501) University of Chicago ($60,057) Brown University ($58,161) Trinity College ($56,902) Hamilton College ($56,158)

Other Majors at Vanderbilt University

Computer Science ($122,244) Mathematics ($103,812) Economics ($84,311) Engineering Science ($81,126) Mechanical Engineering ($78,009) Chemical Engineering ($75,639) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($63,402) Social Sciences, General ($61,389)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Public Policy Analysis at Vanderbilt University?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Public Policy Analysis. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Public Policy Analysis careers?
With 49% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $521,325 in decade earnings vs $580,031 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Vanderbilt University a hidden gem for Public Policy Analysis?
After financial aid, the average student pays $76,160 over four years — 70% below the $255,784 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →