Compare 5 Economics. programs in South Carolina. Average earnings: $51,183.
The highest-earning Economics program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $19K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
University of South Carolina-Columbia's Economics program leads with graduates earning $57,679, followed closely by Furman University at $57,318. The state average of $51,183 shows meaningful variation, with the top programs delivering 13% higher earnings than the median.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates borrow $21,500 and face just an 8.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. That means loan payments take a manageable bite out of their post-grad income.
Highest program earnings: $57,679
Strong outcomes with 61% acceptance
8.4% payment burden | Good
22.5% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $57,679 | 66 | $21,500 | Good | $31,393 | Challenging | |
| #2 | Furman UniversityPrivate | $57,318 | 29 | $23,250 | Good | $54,750 | High |
| #3 | Clemson UniversityPublic | $55,077 | 133 | $21,500 | Good | $35,463 | High |
| #4 | College Of CharlestonPublic | $47,369 | 20 | $23,250 | Manageable | $35,971 | High |
| #5 | Wofford CollegePrivate | $38,472 | 22 | $25,732 | Challenging | $58,390 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
