Analysis
A $27,000 debt load—based on typical borrowing at similar institutions—positions this program more favorably than most social sciences degrees in Texas, where the state median sits above $50,000. The estimated first-year earnings of roughly $36,000 create a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74, meaning graduates would owe about nine months' salary. That's within the range many financial advisors consider sustainable, though it does mean several years of focused repayment ahead.
The four-year earnings figure of $42,699 offers some reassurance that income growth happens relatively quickly after graduation. This trajectory aligns with national patterns for social sciences degrees, which typically see steady if unspectacular wage increases in the years following college. Concordia's student body—40% receiving Pell grants and broad access through a 91% admission rate—suggests the university serves many first-generation and lower-income families for whom any bachelor's degree represents significant economic mobility.
The reality here is that without school-specific outcomes data, you're making an educated guess based on peer institutions. If your student is considering this program, the estimated figures suggest reasonable value compared to Texas alternatives, but verify what career services and internship connections Concordia actually provides. A social sciences degree's value depends heavily on what students do with it—applied experience matters more than the credential alone.
Where Concordia University Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia University Texas | — | $42,699 | — |
| University of California-Berkeley | $61,109 | $97,257 | +59% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $34,845 | $62,428 | +79% |
| Boston University | $48,243 | $61,389 | +27% |
| University of Rochester | $37,491 | $61,172 | +63% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,690 | $36,279* | $42,699 | $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 Concordia University Texas, approximately 40% 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.