Political Science Degree in Winston-Salem, NC — Salary & ROI 2026
Political Science degree analysis for Winston-Salem, NC. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$51K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$76K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
5.2 yrs
in Winston-Salem
Cost of Living
106
index (100 = avg)
Political Science in Winston-Salem, NC Overview
Winston-Salem is one of North Carolina's top college towns, with 26 institutions and a student population of 19,225. Public tuition averages $6,432/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Political Science enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Policy Analysis and Research. The adjusted starting salary in Winston-Salem is approximately $50,880.
Category
Social Sciences
Local Colleges
26
Public Tuition
$6,432/yr
Private Tuition
$60,894/yr
Room & Board
$11,486/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$16,995/yr
Unemployment
6.6%
Graduation Rate
70%
Political Science Salary in Winston-Salem (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Winston-Salem's cost of living index of 106 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Political Science salary: $48,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $95,000 senior level.Winston-Salem adjustment factor: 1.06x based on the local cost of living index.
Political Science ROI Calculator for Winston-Salem
Estimate your return on investment for a Political Science degree using local Winston-Salem tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $6,432 | Private avg: $60,894
Winston-Salem avg aid: $16,995/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$71,672
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$13,780
vs HS diploma in Winston-Salem
ROI Payback Period
5.2 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Winston-Salem
$352,328
Lifetime earnings premium ($424,000) minus total education cost ($71,672)
Student Loan Payoff for Political Science in Winston-Salem
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Winston-Salem for Political Science
Wake Forest University
private
$60,894/yr
$243,576 total
Winston-Salem State University
public
$6,432/yr
$25,728 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Forsyth Technical Community College
$2,864/yr
Top Employers for Political Science in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Political Science graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Winston-Salem Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences
Government agencies
Non-profits
Research institutes
Social services
Consulting
Common Political Science Job Titles
Political Science in Nearby North Carolina Cities
Charlotte, NC
$43K starting · COL 89
39 colleges
Raleigh, NC
$40K starting · COL 83
21 colleges
Greensboro, NC
$44K starting · COL 91
17 colleges
Durham, NC
$52K starting · COL 109
25 colleges
Fayetteville, NC
$43K starting · COL 90
15 colleges
Cary, NC
$52K starting · COL 108.5
7 colleges
Wilmington, NC
$46K starting · COL 95
5 colleges
High Point, NC
$41K starting · COL 84.5
5 colleges
Other Social Sciences Majors in Winston-Salem
International Relations
$53K starting · 5 yr ROI
Urban Planning
$53K starting · 5 yr ROI
Geography
$53K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Forensic Science
$53K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Sustainability Studies
$53K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Psychology
$47K starting · 6 yr ROI
Criminal Justice
$53K starting · 5 yr ROI
Sociology
$47K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Political Science degree outcomes in Winston-Salem, NC: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Political Science programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for North Carolina.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Winston-Salem using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Political Science graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Political Science career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Political Science grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Winston-Salem Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), North Carolina students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — North Carolina programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "north carolina higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Political Science Degree in Winston-Salem — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Political Science ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Winston-Salem.