Analysis
Butler's estimated $27,000 debt load for a social sciences bachelor's degree sits just above the national median of $25,500 for this field, while projected earnings of around $36,300 align with typical outcomes nationwide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 suggests graduates could reasonably expect to repay their loans within a manageable timeframe—generally considered sustainable for bachelor's degree holders.
What's less clear is how Butler's private university experience translates into career outcomes compared to the state's public options. With only three Indiana schools offering bachelor's programs in social sciences and no peer data available for comparison, it's difficult to assess whether the investment in Butler's higher-priced education delivers meaningful advantages in this field. The school's 86% admission rate and limited Pell grant recipients (14%) suggest a student body that may have other financial resources, but that doesn't answer whether families should prioritize this program over less expensive state alternatives.
If your child is genuinely passionate about social sciences and Butler's campus culture, the estimated debt level isn't alarming. However, push for concrete information about internship networks, graduate school placement, and career services specific to this program—these factors matter more than the Butler name when your first-year earnings barely exceed the debt you'll carry.
Where Butler University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,980 | $36,279* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $14,850 | $61,109* | $97,257 | $15,000* | 0.25 | |
| $7,410 | $54,265* | — | $12,500* | 0.23 | |
| $17,239 | $51,753* | $59,341 | $25,000* | 0.48 | |
| $65,168 | $48,243* | $61,389 | —* | — | |
| $11,380 | $45,509* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $36,279* | — | $25,500* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
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 Butler University, approximately 14% 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.