Analysis
Similar Social Sciences programs in Pennsylvania typically produce first-year earnings around $43,400—a figure that places graduates right at the state median but notably above the national benchmark of $37,500. At an estimated $27,000 in debt, Elizabethtown's graduates appear positioned close to peer programs across the state, though these numbers reflect what's typical for comparable bachelor's programs rather than verified outcomes from this specific school.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 suggests manageable loan payments relative to starting income, particularly when measured against Social Sciences programs nationally. What's less clear is how Elizabethtown's smaller program size—which triggers data suppression—affects career outcomes. The college's solid admission standards and modest Peel percentage suggest a well-resourced student body, but without program-specific placement data, it's difficult to assess whether Elizabethtown's particular approach to Social Sciences delivers distinct value.
For families considering this path, the central question is whether the private college premium makes sense when state benchmarks suggest similar outcomes across Pennsylvania institutions. The estimated figures point to reasonable financial positioning, but you'll want concrete information on career services, graduate school placement rates, and alumni networks before committing to this specific program over more transparent alternatives.
Where Elizabethtown College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,842 | $43,431* | — | $26,975* | — | |
| $14,620 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,630 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,646 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $21,524 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
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 Elizabethtown College, approximately 19% 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 median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.