Analysis
A Social Sciences degree from Benedictine College carries an estimated debt load of $27,000—slightly above the national median for these programs and close to what Kansas schools typically see. With first-year earnings around $37,500 based on comparable bachelor's programs nationwide, graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, which falls within manageable territory. However, it's worth noting that Kansas State's Social Sciences graduates report earning $40,800 in their first year, roughly $3,300 more than what peer programs nationally suggest for Benedictine students.
The gap between Benedictine's estimated outcomes and KSU's reported figures raises questions about whether this program delivers competitive preparation for the Kansas job market. Social Sciences degrees are broad by nature, and employment outcomes depend heavily on how well a program channels students toward specific career paths. At a smaller private college like Benedictine (76% admission rate, limited Pell enrollment), students might benefit from closer faculty relationships, but those advantages need to translate into tangible career positioning to justify near-national-average debt.
For parents weighing this investment, the uncertainty here matters. Without actual graduate outcomes from Benedictine's program, you're relying on broad national patterns that may not reflect this school's specific career support or alumni network strength. The debt level isn't alarming, but getting clarity on how recent graduates actually fared—through direct contact with the program—would be essential before committing.
Where Benedictine College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,800 | $37,459* | — | $26,975* | — | |
| $10,942 | $40,793* | $42,603 | $27,500* | 0.67 | |
| 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 Benedictine College, approximately 16% 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.