Social Sciences at Azusa Pacific University

Similar social sciences programs in California suggest first-year earnings around $35,000—roughly $2,500 below the national median for this field. That gap matters when you're carrying an estimated $27,000 in debt, particularly since California State Universities, which draw from a similar applicant pool, are producing graduates earning $36,000-$39,000 with median debt of just $16,500. The debt-to-earnings ratio here sits at 0.77, meaning nearly eight months of gross income would go toward debt—manageable but not exceptional for a bachelor's degree.

The challenge is that social sciences bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate programs or credential-specific careers (social work, teaching, counseling), where the real earnings potential emerges later. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level and enter the workforce directly, comparable California programs appear to offer similar earning potential with substantially less debt. The $10,000 difference in typical borrowing between Azusa Pacific and California public universities is significant on a $35,000 starting salary.

Your decision hinges on what comes after graduation. If your child is committed to graduate school or credential programs where Azusa Pacific's connections matter, the investment may make sense. For direct workforce entry, the estimated debt load looks high relative to peer institutions producing similar outcomes.