Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (43 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Guilford College$43,454
Duke University$54,970$84,950$14,0160.25
Wake Forest University$47,161$70,723$23,1330.49
North Carolina A & T State University$42,310$29,2640.69
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill$41,200$58,890$15,1000.37
Elon University$38,836$67,059$20,5000.53
National Median$35,627$23,5000.66

Other Political Science and Government Programs in North Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Duke University
Durham
$65,805$54,970$14,016
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem
$64,758$47,161$23,133
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro
$6,748$42,310$29,264
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill
$8,989$41,200$15,100
Elon University
Elon
$44,536$38,836$20,500

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Guilford College, approximately 44% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.