History at Winthrop University

Winthrop's history program graduates enter the workforce below both state and national medians, starting at $28,322—about $2,000 less than the typical South Carolina history graduate and $3,000 below the national figure. While ranking 40th percentile within South Carolina might seem middling, it's worth noting that graduates from Citadel and Lander earn 50% more in their first year. The modest debt load of $27,000 keeps the ratio close to 1:1, which is manageable but still represents nearly a full year's salary at entry level.

The 22% earnings growth to $34,540 by year four suggests graduates do find their footing, though that trajectory remains below what peers at other South Carolina schools achieve. One genuine bright spot: this program's debt burden ranks in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of history programs nationally leave students with more debt. For a family prioritizing affordability and attending in-state, that matters.

The critical caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means one or two outliers could skew these numbers significantly. If your student is committed to history and wants to stay in South Carolina, Winthrop offers a lower-debt path, but the earnings lag behind several state alternatives is real. Compare job placement services and alumni networks directly with Citadel, Lander, or Clemson before deciding.