Social Sciences is a specialized field of study. Graduates typically earn around $53,366 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 529 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 17,458 students complete this program each year, most earning 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?
Social Sciences graduates earn $53,366 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,590 and $72,257. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $37,459 climbs to $53,366 by year four.
$37,459
1 Year After Graduation
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
There is a wide earnings spread across Social Sciences graduates. 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 350 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?
Social Sciences connects to 7 occupations in the job market. Statisticians leads at $105,650/yr median. Expand any card 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
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Social Sciences students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
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 +8.5% over the next decade, with Statisticians among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 206,700 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?
Social Sciences graduates earn a national median of $53,366 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,590 and $72,257. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Social Sciences degree?
One year after graduation, Social Sciences degree holders earn a median of $37,459. That climbs to $53,366 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Social Sciences degree?
Social Sciences degree holders pursue careers including Statisticians, which pays a median of $105,650/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Social Sciences program take?
A Social Sciences associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Social Sciences?
529 colleges and universities in the United States offer Social Sciences programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Social Sciences degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $53,366 and an average net price of roughly $11,058/yr, a Social Sciences degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What skills do employers look for in Social Sciences graduates?
Employers hiring Social Sciences graduates consistently prioritize 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.
What is the job outlook for Social Sciences graduates?
The job outlook for Social Sciences graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +0.6% job growth over the next 10 years. Statisticians is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.5%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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.
H
How to Choose a Major Pillar
A decision framework for picking a college major using your interests, aptitudes, and federal earnings data to reach a defensible choice before applying.
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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