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Political Science and Government at Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $50,214/yr (37% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #353 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	$557K	$549K	$505K
Earnings Multiple	2.2x	2.1x	2.0x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	42	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$257,280

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$100,032

61% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$11,820

2.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$60,169

20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $50,214 put Wellesley College's Political Science and Government program 37% above the national median of $36,684 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

An earnings multiple of 2.1x 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 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $50,214 far exceeding the $11,820 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #353 out of 521 programs, Wellesley College's financial outcomes for Political Science and Government trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $50,214 to $60,169 over five years (20% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Wellesley College

Wellesley College's 14% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, a smaller institution with 2,318 students in Wellesley, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $100,032 — 61% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Wellesley 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 Wellesley College

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 Wellesley College's Political Science and Government program score?

This program scores 42/100 — 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.

How affordable is Political Science and Government at Wellesley College after financial aid?

Sticker price is $257,280, but the average net cost is $100,032 — a 61% 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 →