Analysis
Evangel University's Social Sciences program estimates point to a challenging financial starting point, with peer programs nationally suggesting around $36,000 in first-year earnings against approximately $27,000 in debt. That 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio sits slightly above the national median debt for similar programs, creating an immediate burden that could limit your child's flexibility in those crucial early career years when social science graduates often pursue graduate school, nonprofit work, or entry-level positions that build toward better-paying roles.
The estimated earnings figure matches the national median exactly, which means this program appears to track with typical outcomes across the country—neither dramatically outperforming nor underperforming what similar bachelor's programs produce. For context, only 145 schools nationally offer bachelor's degrees specifically categorized as "Social Sciences," and outcomes vary by nearly $10,000 between median and top-performing programs. Without Missouri-specific comparison data or actual outcomes from Evangel itself, it's difficult to assess whether the university's faith-based mission and smaller setting translate into networking advantages or career placement support that might justify the debt load.
The practical concern: monthly loan payments on $27,000 will consume a meaningful chunk of a $36,000 salary, potentially forcing decisions about housing, transportation, or further education sooner than you'd like. If your child is considering graduate school—common for social science majors—that debt becomes the foundation of a larger pile.
Where Evangel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,192 | $36,279* | — | $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 Evangel University, approximately 36% 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.