Analysis
Peer social sciences programs in Pennsylvania typically yield around $43,400 in first-year earnings—a figure that places similar programs right at the state median but notably above the national median of $37,500. With estimated debt around $27,000 for Albright's graduates, the 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests borrowing less than eight months' salary, which falls within manageable territory for bachelor's-level liberal arts programs. Half of Albright's students receive Pell grants, indicating this program serves many first-generation and lower-income families who need practical economic outcomes from their degree investment.
The challenge with social sciences degrees generally is understanding what career path you're aiming for. These estimated figures represent the median—meaning half of graduates earn less—and social sciences spans everything from research positions to nonprofit work to business roles. Programs at Pennsylvania's state universities report identical first-year earnings, but career trajectories can diverge sharply based on internships, geographic mobility, and whether graduates pursue additional credentials.
For families considering Albright's social sciences program, the estimated debt load isn't alarming, but the lack of school-specific data means you're making decisions with less certainty than you'd have at programs with published outcomes. Press the school directly about where recent graduates actually work and what support exists for securing internships in Reading's limited job market versus connections to Philadelphia or other regional hubs.
Where Albright College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,794 | $43,431* | — | $26,975* | — | |
| $14,620 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,630 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,646 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $21,524 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Albright College, approximately 50% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.