Analysis
In Pennsylvania, Social Sciences bachelor's programs typically produce first-year earnings around $43,000—a figure that places this field in the middle of the pack nationally. With estimated debt of roughly $27,000 for Bryn Athyn's program, graduates would face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62, meaning they'd owe about seven months of their first year's salary. That's reasonable by national standards, where Social Sciences graduates often carry similar debt loads but sometimes earn less.
What makes this estimate particularly uncertain is Bryn Athyn's small size and specialized mission as a New Church-affiliated institution. The earnings figure comes from only four comparable Pennsylvania programs, which means it could diverge significantly depending on what specific Social Sciences concentration students pursue and whether they leverage the college's tight-knit alumni network. The 74% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest an accessible program, but with 46% of students receiving Pell grants, families should scrutinize the actual financial aid package carefully—that estimated $27,000 debt figure represents a median that could swing higher for students without substantial grant support.
The key question is whether Bryn Athyn's distinctive educational environment translates into career outcomes that match or exceed typical Pennsylvania programs. Without actual graduate data, parents should request specific placement rates and alumni contact information before committing, especially if considering graduate school where these foundational earnings matter less than the strength of academic preparation.
Where Bryn Athyn College of the New Church Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (18 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,804 | $43,431* | — | $26,975* | — | |
| $14,620 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,630 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,646 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $21,524 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| 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 Bryn Athyn College of the New Church, approximately 46% 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 median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.