Political Science and Government at Washington & Jefferson College

Washington, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,484/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #376 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 $517K $514K $479K
Earnings Multiple 4.6x 4.6x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$112,740
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$102,176
9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,408
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Washington & Jefferson College's Political Science and Government graduates start at $39,484/yr — above the $36,684 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 4.6x 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 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$39,484 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #376 out of 521 programs, Washington & Jefferson 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 $39,484 to $51,408 shows 30% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Washington & Jefferson College

A 82% acceptance rate means Washington & Jefferson College is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,154 in Washington, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington & Jefferson 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 Washington & Jefferson 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 Washington & Jefferson College's Political Science and Government program score?
This program scores 41/100 — 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 →