Social Sciences at Edgewood College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 places this program in reasonable territory, though the picture remains hazy. Based on comparable social sciences programs nationally, Edgewood graduates might expect around $37,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $27,000 in debt—figures that align closely with typical outcomes for bachelor's-level social sciences degrees. That said, the wide variation among Wisconsin programs—from $27,873 at UW-Stout to $42,357 at UW-River Falls—underscores how much career outcomes can differ even within the same field and state.

The practical challenge is that social sciences degrees often serve as stepping stones rather than direct career pathways. Whether this investment pays off depends heavily on what your child plans to do next—graduate school, specific career pivots, or immediate entry into fields like case management or nonprofit work. The estimated debt load isn't crushing, but it's meaningful enough to constrain options if post-graduation plans remain undefined. With 95% of applicants admitted, Edgewood is accessible, but accessibility doesn't necessarily translate to strong career outcomes in a field where networking and internships often matter as much as the credential itself.

The key question is whether your child has a clear plan for leveraging this degree. If they're aiming for graduate school or have concrete career goals, the estimated financials are workable. Without that clarity, you're looking at modest debt for outcomes that peer programs suggest will be equally modest.