Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 suggests this program leaves students in manageable territory—based on comparable social sciences programs nationally, graduates can expect to earn enough in their first year to service debt at reasonable levels. With estimated debt around $27,000 against first-year earnings of approximately $37,500, borrowers would face monthly payments representing roughly 8-9% of gross income under standard repayment plans.
That said, Alice Lloyd serves a largely Pell-eligible student body in rural Appalachia, and the earnings estimate here comes from a national peer group that may not reflect local job market realities. Social sciences graduates in Kentucky typically earn around $38,700 according to state-level data, which aligns closely with the national figure—but individual outcomes at a small college in Pippa Passes could differ significantly based on where students ultimately work and what careers they pursue.
For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether a social sciences bachelor's will lead to work that pays near these estimated levels. The ratio looks workable on paper, but it depends entirely on securing employment that matches these peer-program benchmarks. Alice Lloyd's tuition-free model for local students may alter the debt picture considerably, so verify actual costs before assuming these estimates apply to your situation.
Where Alice Lloyd College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,080 | $37,459* | — | $26,975* | — | |
| $11,436 | $38,659* | $41,015 | —* | — | |
| 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 Alice Lloyd College, approximately 56% 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 national median of 76 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.