Social Sciences at Binghamton University

With estimated debt of $24,423 against first-year earnings around $35,607 based on similar New York programs, this bachelor's degree in social sciences shows a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69. That figure sits below the concerning 1.0 threshold where annual debt equals annual salary, though the limited earning power—tracking right at New York's median for these programs—means graduates will need discipline to clear the balance while covering basic living expenses.

The gap between Binghamton and top-performing social sciences programs in New York is substantial. NYU graduates in this field earn nearly $50,000 in their first year, while Manhattan and Touro grads also clear $40,000. Binghamton's competitive 38% admission rate and strong 1415 average SAT suggest the school attracts capable students, yet comparable programs in the state don't translate that selectivity into standout early career outcomes. For context, these estimated earnings actually fall slightly below the national median of $37,459 for social sciences bachelor's degrees.

The takeaway: this represents a relatively affordable path into social sciences, but parents should understand their child will likely start at modest earnings regardless of Binghamton's academic reputation. The debt load won't be crushing, but there's little margin for error in those early career years. If your student is considering graduate school—common in social sciences—that additional borrowing needs to factor into the total investment calculation.