Social Sciences (Bachelor's Degree) at Bowie State University

Analysis

At $22,116 in estimated debt—below both state and national medians—Bowie State's social sciences bachelor's appears more financially manageable than many peer programs. Based on comparable programs nationally, first-year earnings around $36,000 translate to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61, which sits in reasonable territory. For context, Maryland's other social sciences programs carry similar debt loads ($23,750 median statewide) while producing comparable starting salaries.

The challenge with social sciences generally isn't the debt—it's the earnings trajectory. Whether graduates move into nonprofit work, government positions, or continue to graduate school significantly impacts long-term value. The school's 44% Pell Grant population suggests many students here are first-generation or from lower-income backgrounds, making that $36,000 starting salary more consequential. It needs to grow steadily to justify even this moderate debt load.

Given the small cohort size that triggered data suppression, you're looking at a program where individual outcomes may vary widely from these estimates. The figures suggest manageable financial risk if your child has clear career plans—think public policy internships, graduate school preparation, or specific government pathways. Without that focus, a general social sciences degree at this price point requires careful consideration of what comes next.

Where Bowie State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (4 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Bowie State UniversityBowie	$8,999	$36,279*	—	$22,116*	—
Towson UniversityTowson	$11,306	$36,279*	$53,684	$20,500*	0.57
Loyola University MarylandBaltimore	$55,480	$33,993*	$55,596	$27,000*	0.79
National Median	—	$36,279*	—	$25,500*	0.70

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Transportation Planners

Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.

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 Bowie State University, approximately 44% 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 33 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.