Social Sciences at Biola University

Based on comparable programs in California, this Social Sciences degree appears to face two challenges: earnings that trail most state schools and debt that exceeds the California norm. The estimated $34,871 first-year salary sits at the state median but falls well short of what Cal State campuses typically produce—several report outcomes in the $37,000-$39,000 range for the same degree. More concerning, the estimated $26,975 in debt is roughly $10,000 above California's median for this field, meaning graduates are borrowing significantly more for similar or lower returns.

The 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't disastrous, but it suggests a tighter financial picture than you'd find at most California publics. While a Social Sciences bachelor's often serves as a stepping stone to graduate school or careers that develop over time, starting with higher-than-average debt narrows the runway for pursuing those paths. The school's selectivity and smaller student body may offer advantages—stronger advising, tighter networks—but those don't immediately translate to stronger wage outcomes in this field.

For families considering this program, the practical question is whether Biola's specific environment justifies the debt premium. If graduate school is the plan, minimizing undergraduate borrowing becomes even more critical. Compare the total cost here against what California State schools would charge, since their Social Sciences graduates appear to launch at similar or better salary levels with substantially less debt.