Social Sciences at Dominican University New York

Dominican's Social Sciences program starts graduates at just $28,351—landing in the bottom 5th percentile nationally and well below New York's state median of $35,607. Even among New York programs, where this ranks 25th percentile, graduates earn roughly $7,000 less than the state typical first year out. The $27,000 debt burden nearly equals that first year's entire salary, creating immediate financial pressure for recent graduates.

The compelling counterpoint is what happens next: earnings jump 53% to reach $43,248 by year four, essentially matching the national 75th percentile for social sciences programs. This trajectory suggests graduates may be entering entry-level positions that lead somewhere meaningful, even if the starting point feels precarious. However, parents should recognize that first year will likely require either living at home or significant additional support—making ends meet on $28,000 in the New York metro area presents real challenges.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether you can weather that difficult first year. If your child has the option to live at home or you can provide transitional support, the four-year earnings picture looks reasonable. But if they'll need to be financially independent from day one, programs like St. Joseph's or Mercy that start graduates $6,000-8,000 higher might justify their slightly higher costs. The growth trajectory here is real, but it requires patience and probably a financial cushion.