Social Sciences at Benedictine University

Benedictine's Social Sciences graduates start at $42,023—beating 75% of similar programs nationally and landing comfortably above Illinois' state median of $40,538. The debt load of $32,824 is higher than you'd find at most social sciences programs, but the 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates carry less than a year's salary in debt, a manageable starting point. What really stands out is the 24% earnings jump to $52,295 by year four, suggesting these graduates find their footing in the job market.

The higher debt is worth noting but not alarming—it's still just $3,000 more than the state average, and the stronger starting salary offsets much of that difference within the first year. For a social sciences degree serving a significant population of Pell grant students (39%), these outcomes show the program is delivering real economic mobility rather than just credentials.

The caveat: these numbers come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. But if you're comparing Illinois social sciences programs and your child is drawn to Benedictine's environment, the economic fundamentals are solid enough to move forward with confidence. The combination of above-median earnings and reasonable debt creates a foundation for financial stability—exactly what a liberal arts degree should provide.