Science, Technology and Society at Beloit College

Beloit College's Science, Technology and Society program carries $27,000 in median debt—higher than the national median for this degree but not dramatically so. The challenge lies in the earnings trajectory. Based on comparable programs nationally, first-year graduates typically earn around $45,000, which puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.60. But here's what should concern you: by year four, actual earnings for Beloit graduates drop to $42,596, suggesting this program may not follow the steady upward trajectory most families expect from a bachelor's degree.

That earnings dip between years one and four is unusual and worth investigating. It could reflect career path changes, further education, or the interdisciplinary nature of the degree itself—which may require graduates to find their professional footing over time. With only 46 programs nationally in this field, STS remains a niche degree that can lead to varied career outcomes, from policy work to tech ethics to research positions. The uncertainty here isn't just about the estimates—it's about whether this particular combination of liberal arts education and interdisciplinary focus translates into stable career advancement for your student.

The bottom line: talk directly with Beloit about where recent graduates have landed professionally and why earnings appear to stagnate in those early career years. Understanding the actual career paths—not just the estimated starting points—will tell you whether this investment makes sense.