Social Sciences at Butte College

Butte College's Social Sciences associate's degree starts modestly but tells an encouraging earnings story. First-year graduates earn $26,482—slightly above the national median and ranking in the 60th percentile among California's 75 programs. More importantly, earnings jump 51% by year four to reach $40,005, suggesting graduates successfully leverage this degree as a stepping stone to better opportunities or bachelor's completion.

The $9,036 median debt sits right at national levels, translating to a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one. While debt is slightly higher than California's median ($7,834), the strong earnings trajectory offsets this concern. That said, top-performing California programs like Merced College ($34,168) and Sierra College ($30,103) do show substantially higher starting salaries, indicating room for program improvement.

For families considering this as a transfer pathway or career exploration degree, the numbers work. The debt load won't be crushing, and the earnings growth pattern suggests graduates find traction in the labor market. Just understand you're choosing a middle-of-the-pack option within California—solid and affordable, but not exceptional. If your student plans to transfer to a four-year program, this provides a cost-effective foundation; if they're heading straight to work, expect a patient climb rather than immediate financial returns.