Political Science and Government at Winthrop University

The earnings data here raises serious concerns, even accounting for the small sample size. Winthrop's political science graduates earn just $21,165 in their first year—landing this program in the bottom 10th percentile both nationally and among South Carolina's 26 political science programs. For context, that's $12,600 below the state median for this major and roughly $14,500 below the national benchmark. With $27,000 in debt, graduates face immediate financial strain that other in-state options don't impose.

The 87% earnings jump to nearly $40,000 by year four suggests graduates do eventually find better footing, but that first-year figure is troubling. Compare this to nearby alternatives: The Citadel's political science grads start at $45,000, while College of Charleston and USC-Upstate both deliver first-year earnings around $36,000—with similar or lower debt loads. The gap isn't marginal; it's transformational in terms of early career financial stability.

Given the small sample warning and Winthrop's bottom-decile performance statewide, families should seriously question this choice. If your child is committed to political science in South Carolina, the data strongly suggests looking at College of Charleston or USC-Upstate first. If Winthrop remains the preferred campus for other reasons, consider whether a different major might deliver better outcomes, or plan for substantial parental support during those lean first years after graduation.