Political Science and Government at Clemson University

Clemson's Political Science program starts weak but recovers dramatically—first-year earnings of just $28,041 rank in the 12th percentile nationally and 25th percentile statewide, trailing rival College of Charleston by $7,000. Even accounting for the types of early career jobs political science majors pursue, this is a rough start at a selective university (38% admit rate, 1341 SAT average). The Citadel's graduates, for comparison, earn $45,000 right out of the gate.

The saving grace is impressive momentum: by year four, median earnings jump to nearly $58,000—a 107% increase that suggests graduates either complete law school, enter graduate programs, or land substantially better positions after gaining experience. The manageable $21,000 debt load (below both state and national medians) keeps the first difficult year from becoming a crisis, with a 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves rapidly as salaries climb.

For families banking on immediate return, this program underdelivers compared to peer schools in South Carolina. But if your student plans advanced degrees or can weather lean early years—perhaps with parental support—the trajectory suggests the Clemson credential eventually proves its worth. Just understand you're investing in a delayed payoff, not quick career momentum.