Political Science and Government at Wofford College
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Wofford College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Wofford College graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 42th percentile of all political science and government bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Political Science and Government bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wofford College | $34,277 | $50,471 | $26,825 | 0.78 |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | $44,992 | $52,055 | $20,817 | 0.46 |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate | $35,798 | $44,353 | $30,000 | 0.84 |
| College of Charleston | $35,398 | $46,124 | $26,000 | 0.73 |
| Presbyterian College | $34,712 | $59,501 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| Furman University | $34,473 | $57,998 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| National Median | $35,627 | — | $23,500 | 0.66 |
Other Political Science and Government Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston | $12,570 | $44,992 | $20,817 |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate Spartanburg | $11,583 | $35,798 | $30,000 |
| College of Charleston Charleston | $12,978 | $35,398 | $26,000 |
| Presbyterian College Clinton | $43,300 | $34,712 | $27,000 |
| Furman University Greenville | $58,312 | $34,473 | $27,000 |
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.