Political Science and Government at The University of the South

The University of the South's political science program shows a dramatic earnings trajectory that's worth unpacking. While first-year graduates earn just $31,831—well below both Tennessee's $34,635 median and the national average—earnings more than double by year four to reach $65,002. That's substantially higher than any other Tennessee political science program, including Vanderbilt's $46,843. The $24,267 debt burden sits right at state and national norms, making the debt manageable at 76% of first-year income.

However, this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, which means individual outcomes heavily skew the averages. That exceptional four-year number could reflect a few students landing competitive positions—perhaps in law, consulting, or graduate-funded careers that Sewanee's selective environment (1336 average SAT) may facilitate. Or it could simply be statistical noise from a small cohort.

The practical concern: you're banking on that four-year outcome materializing, because the first year looks financially tight. For families who can weather a lean early period—especially if graduate school or credential-building is part of the plan—the long-term numbers suggest potential. But if your child needs immediate earning power after graduation, programs like UT-Chattanooga or East Tennessee State deliver more reliable mid-$30K starting salaries without the initial earnings dip.