This page covers Social Sciences as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Social Sciences and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.
Social Sciences is a specialized field of study. Pick this and you can expect to earn around $53,366 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. You will not have trouble finding it: 529 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 17,458 students complete it each year, most walking away with a associate's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$37,459
Median Earnings · 4yr
$53,366
Colleges Offering
529
Graduates / Year
17,458
Avg Net Price / yr
$11,058
How Much Do Social Sciences Graduates Earn?
Four years after finishing Social Sciences, a typical graduate earns $53,366, below average for bachelor's degree holders. Half of earners land somewhere between $36,590 and $72,257, so where you end up depends on the job and the employer. Do not judge the field on a starting paycheck alone: pay tends to jump in the first few years, climbing from $37,459 at one year out to $53,366 by year four. Source: College Scorecard.
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$53,366
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$52,095
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
Not every Social Sciences graduate ends up in the same place. Earnings spread out widely, so know what pushes people to one end or the other. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.
$36,59025th pct.
$53,366Median
$72,25775th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $53,366 against an estimated $44,232 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 348 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 17,458 students who complete Social Sciences programs each year, the majority (57%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
57%32%
Associate's57%
Bachelor's32%
Master's9%
What Can You Do With a Social Sciences Degree?
This degree does not lock you into one job. Social Sciences graduates show up in 7 different occupations, and Statisticians pay the most at $105,650/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
MathematicsMathematicsComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingReading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities
Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.
Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
Reading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningComplex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
Top Colleges for Social Sciences
Not sure where to study Social Sciences? These 20 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Social Sciences graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Social Sciences Programs
Social Sciences is not the only path through Social Sciences: 12 other specializations sit alongside it. The comparison below ranks them by 4-year median earnings so you can see where this one lands.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Social Sciences program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Social Sciences shows 4 measurable strengths and 4 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $37,459 at graduation to $53,366 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +11.0% over the next decade, with Statisticians among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 198,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 529 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $53,366 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas4 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
High earnings varianceGap between 25th ($36,590) and 75th ($72,257) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.
Social Sciences Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Social Sciences graduates earn?
$53,366 four years after finishing the program. Half of graduates land between $36,590 and $72,257, so employer, role, and location move that number more than the degree itself. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the starting salary for a Social Sciences degree?
$37,459 in the first year out. That grows to $53,366 by year four, so do not judge this field on the entry-level number alone. Most of the gain shows up once you clear the first few years and move past entry-level roles. Source: College Scorecard.
What jobs can you get with a Social Sciences degree?
Statisticians are one path, and it pays a median of $105,650 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.
How long does a Social Sciences program take?
Two years full-time at a community college for a Social Sciences associate degree. Many students use it as a stepping stone, transferring to a four-year school afterward to finish a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Social Sciences?
529 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.
Is a Social Sciences degree worth it?
$53,366 median earnings four years out against $11,058 a year in average net price. That is a fast payback, and it holds up especially well at lower-cost schools. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific schools before deciding. Source: College Scorecard.
What skills do employers look for in Social Sciences graduates?
Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Social Sciences graduates consistently look for research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.
What is the job outlook for Social Sciences graduates?
Outlook is slow overall: related occupations average +1.8% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Statisticians are among the strongest-growth roles at +11.0%. That average hides real differences by role and location, so check the Career Paths section below for the projection on each specific occupation before you count on any single number.
Related Social Sciences Programs
Other programs in Social Sciences. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
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