Social Sciences at Campbellsville University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 suggests students at Campbellsville would need to borrow roughly nine months of their first-year salary to complete this degree—a manageable burden if the estimated figures hold true. Based on peer programs nationwide, Social Sciences bachelor's graduates typically earn around $37,500 in their first year, with debt loads near $27,000. That would translate to monthly loan payments of roughly $280 on a standard 10-year plan, consuming about 9% of gross monthly income—within the conventional wisdom that debt payments shouldn't exceed 10-15% of earnings.

The challenge is context: Kentucky's only program with reported outcomes (Western Kentucky University) shows graduates earning $38,659, just 3% above the national estimate used here. That narrow margin leaves little room for error if Campbellsville's actual outcomes fall below the national average for Social Sciences programs. The school's 98% admission rate and relatively low Pell grant enrollment (22%) suggest a different student profile than many peer institutions, which could affect career preparation and employment outcomes in ways these estimates can't capture.

For parents, the practical question is whether borrowing $27,000 for earnings that may start in the mid-to-upper $30,000s aligns with your family's financial circumstances and your student's career goals. Social Sciences degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school or specific career paths where the bachelor's alone may not fully pay off. Press the school for actual placement data and alumni outcomes before committing.