Analysis
Wofford's political science program starts modestly but shows meaningful momentum, with earnings jumping 47% by year four to reach $50,471—well above what most SC programs deliver at that point. While first-year earnings of $34,277 trail the top in-state options like Citadel, this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, placing it solidly in the upper half among South Carolina's 26 political science programs.
The debt picture looks quite favorable: at $26,825, graduates owe less than three-quarters of their first year's income and carry just slightly more than the national median for political science majors. That's manageable debt for a private liberal arts college, especially given the strong earnings trajectory that suggests graduates are advancing into better-paying roles relatively quickly.
The main asterisk here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so individual career paths can skew these numbers significantly. Still, the pattern is encouraging: reasonable debt paired with above-average state performance and solid earnings growth. For families considering a private college education in South Carolina, this represents a middle-tier investment that appears to deliver steady career progression rather than immediate payoff.
Where Wofford College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all political science and government bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wofford College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wofford College | $34,277 | $50,471 | +47% |
| Presbyterian College | $34,712 | $59,501 | +71% |
| Furman University | $34,473 | $57,998 | +68% |
| Clemson University | $28,041 | $57,948 | +107% |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | $44,992 | $52,055 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wofford CollegeSpartanburg | $54,100 | $34,277 | $50,471 | $26,825 | 0.78 |
 Citadel Military College of South CarolinaCharleston | $12,570 | $44,992 | $52,055 | $20,817 | 0.46 |
 University of South Carolina-UpstateSpartanburg | $11,583 | $35,798 | $44,353 | $30,000 | 0.84 |
 College of CharlestonCharleston | $12,978 | $35,398 | $46,124 | $26,000 | 0.73 |
 Presbyterian CollegeClinton | $43,300 | $34,712 | $59,501 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
 Furman UniversityGreenville | $58,312 | $34,473 | $57,998 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| National Median | — | $35,627 | — | $23,500 | 0.66 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with political science and government graduates
Political Scientists
Economists
Environmental Economists
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
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 Wofford College, approximately 15% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 24 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.