Social Sciences at Canisius University

Peer programs in New York suggest first-year earnings around $35,600 for social sciences bachelor's graduates, with debt loads near $26,800—figures that place this credential squarely in the middle of what similar programs produce statewide. That 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio means you're looking at roughly nine months of gross income needed to cover the debt, which falls within a manageable range for liberal arts degrees, though it's worth noting that comparable programs at NYU and Manhattan University show significantly stronger earning trajectories.

The challenge here is that social sciences degrees tend to require graduate education or strategic career positioning to unlock stronger earnings. While the estimated $35,600 is close to the national median of $37,459, it represents a modest return on four years of study. The gap between this program's projected outcomes and top-performing New York programs—some showing $13,000 higher first-year earnings—suggests that your student's success will depend heavily on networking, internships, and thoughtful career planning during their undergraduate years.

If your child knows they're heading to graduate school or has a clear professional path where the Canisius network matters, the debt burden shouldn't be crippling. But if they're uncertain about their trajectory, recognize that these estimated outcomes suggest a degree that provides flexibility rather than immediate financial momentum—making the college experience itself, including mentorship and career services, particularly important to justify the investment.