Social Sciences at California State University-Stanislaus

CSU Stanislaus graduates with social sciences degrees start earning about $39,000—modestly above both national and California medians for the field. More importantly, they carry just $15,446 in debt, which ranks them in the 95th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt). Among California's 31 social sciences programs, this one sits comfortably in the 60th percentile for earnings while keeping debt well below the state median of $16,500.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates owe less than half their first year's salary, which is manageable territory. Earnings grow steadily to $46,000 by year four—a 17% increase that suggests graduates find their footing in the job market. With 55% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves first-generation and lower-income students without trapping them in debt.

This is a solid value play for California families. You're getting earnings that beat most in-state alternatives while avoiding the debt burdens that typically come with social sciences degrees. It won't make your child wealthy, but it provides a credential at a price point that won't define their financial life for the next decade.