Social Sciences at Bellevue University

Bellevue University's Social Sciences program produces graduates earning essentially the national median—$37,335 in their first year versus $37,459 nationally—but saddles them with 36% more debt than the typical social sciences graduate. With $34,734 in loans against modest starting salaries, graduates face a nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe almost an entire year's gross salary. Within Nebraska, this program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, which sounds better until you realize that's among just five schools offering this degree in the state.

The earnings trajectory offers little relief. After four years, graduates see only a 7% bump to $39,782—growth that barely keeps pace with inflation. While the program serves a meaningful portion of Pell Grant recipients (29%), the financial math is challenging: most social sciences careers don't command salaries that make rapid debt payoff feasible. The debt level places this program in the 9th percentile nationally—meaning 91% of social sciences programs leave students with less debt.

For families weighing this investment, the core issue is straightforward: you're paying above-average tuition for average outcomes. Unless your child has specific career goals that require this particular credential, the combination of middling earnings potential and elevated debt creates a longer, harder road to financial stability than many alternatives would offer.