Political Science and Government at Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,679/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #288 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 $642K $625K $562K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,728
44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,327
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Vassar College's Political Science and Government program earn $48,679/yr in their first year — 33% above the $36,684 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

An earnings multiple of 2.3x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $17,500 in median debt against $48,679 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #288 out of 521 programs, Vassar College's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $48,679 to $72,327 shows 49% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Vassar College

Vassar College admits 18% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a compact campus enrolling 2,430 students in Poughkeepsie, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $152,728 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Vassar College →

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 Vassar College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Vassar College's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 46/100 — on the lower end for Political Science and Government. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →