Social Sciences at Aquinas College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 looks manageable on paper, but context matters. Similar social sciences programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,500—yet other Michigan programs consistently produce stronger results. At Michigan State and Grand Valley State, social sciences graduates earn in the $43,000-$46,000 range their first year out, substantially more than what peer programs nationally predict for Aquinas. The state median of $44,700 reinforces that Michigan's social sciences market supports higher earnings than the national typical case would suggest.

The estimated $27,000 debt load falls just above the national median and slightly below Michigan's typical debt burden, making it neither particularly heavy nor particularly light. Combined with earnings that appear to lag behind in-state competitors, you're looking at a credential that may take longer to pay off than alternatives in the same region. For a bachelor's degree in social sciences, the difference between $37,500 and $45,000 matters—it's the difference between comfortable debt servicing and feeling squeezed.

Given that both earnings and debt figures here are estimates drawn from peer institutions rather than Aquinas's actual outcomes, the smart move is requesting concrete placement data directly from the college. Ask specifically about employment rates, typical starting positions, and whether their graduates match the Michigan market or fall closer to the national baseline. The gap between these two scenarios is significant enough to warrant a direct conversation before committing.