Political Science and Government at Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina's political science graduates face a tough first year, earning just $29,924—well below both the national median ($35,627) and South Carolina's state average ($33,782). While that 19th percentile national ranking might alarm you, there's a legitimate recovery story here: earnings jump 61% by year four to $48,239, ultimately surpassing the state's top programs like Citadel ($44,992) and College of Charleston ($35,398).

The $26,000 debt load sits right at the state median and represents less than a year's starting salary, which keeps this program financially manageable despite the slow launch. However, that first-year earnings gap is real—your child would likely need financial support during those initial years, whether that's living at home, working a second job, or drawing on savings. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) gives us reasonable confidence in these numbers, though individual outcomes will vary.

This program works if you can weather the lean early years. The earnings trajectory suggests graduates eventually find their footing, but families should plan for a longer runway to financial independence than typical bachelor's degrees offer. If your child needs to be self-supporting immediately after graduation, the $29,924 starting point makes that difficult in most markets.