Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $35,398 track close to the $36,684 national median for Political Science and Government programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Political Science and Government programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Political Science and Government's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $24,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,398 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #271 of 521 Political Science and Government programs, College of Charleston falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $55,509 show a 57% jump from the $35,398 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.