Economics at Wofford College

Based on the three economics programs in South Carolina with available data, Wofford's estimated first-year earnings of $48,149 land squarely in the middle—matching USC-Columbia's figure but trailing Furman by about $7,500. The estimated debt of $24,102 produces a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half of their first-year salary. For context, this debt level sits right at the national median for economics programs, which suggests Wofford's aid packaging aligns with typical outcomes nationwide.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With no actual graduate outcomes published for this specific program, you're essentially betting on Wofford's economics pathway performing like its in-state peers. The college's 1297 average SAT and selective admission (59%) suggest solid academic preparation, but only 15% of students receive Pell grants, indicating a relatively affluent student body who may have family resources beyond what the debt numbers capture. The estimated earnings also fall about $3,500 below the national median for economics degrees, though whether that reflects South Carolina's lower cost of living or actual program outcomes remains unclear.

If your child is comparing financial aid packages, press Wofford's admissions office for actual placement data—where recent economics graduates work and what they earn. The estimated numbers suggest a reasonable investment if they hold true, but you're making a six-figure decision based on averages from similar programs rather than this college's actual track record.