Social Sciences (Bachelor's Degree) at Eastern Michigan University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$37,459

Est. from national median (76 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$29,198

Est. from MI median (3 programs)

Analysis

The estimated $29,198 in debt for this bachelor's program sits right at Michigan's median for social sciences degrees, but the earnings picture looks less favorable. While peer programs across Michigan typically produce first-year earnings around $44,712—with Michigan State and Grand Valley State graduates starting in the mid-$40,000s—comparable programs nationally suggest earnings closer to $37,459 for this credential. That $7,000 gap matters when you're carrying nearly $30,000 in student loans.

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 is manageable on paper, but it assumes those national-level earnings materialize. The reality for social sciences graduates often depends heavily on landing roles that value the analytical and research skills the degree develops. With 37% of EMU students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on that bachelor's degree to deliver upward mobility. If earnings track closer to what Michigan's stronger programs produce, this becomes reasonable. If they don't, monthly loan payments could consume a uncomfortable share of take-home pay.

The uncertainty here cuts both ways. Eastern Michigan might defy the national pattern and produce outcomes closer to the state average, or it might not. What's clear is that families shouldn't assume Michigan-level earnings without evidence. Plan for the lower figure, and treat anything above that as upside rather than expectation.

Where Eastern Michigan University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (17 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti	$15,510	$37,459*	—	$29,198*	—
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing	$15,988	$46,206*	$50,723	$29,198*	0.63
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale	$14,628	$43,217*	$44,033	$27,400*	0.63
National Median	—	$37,459*	—	$25,500*	0.68

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

$62,970/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

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 Eastern Michigan University, approximately 37% 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 76 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.