Social Sciences at Franklin University

Franklin University's Social Sciences bachelor's program shows estimated first-year earnings of $37,459 with projected debt of $26,975—figures derived from peer institutions nationally since this program's graduate cohort is too small for the DOE to publish specific outcomes. That 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly nine months of their first year's salary, which is manageable compared to many bachelor's programs. The earnings estimate aligns exactly with the national median for social sciences degrees, suggesting typical rather than exceptional financial outcomes.

The challenge here is less about the numbers themselves and more about what they represent: a broad credential in a field where career direction matters enormously. Social sciences degrees open doors to nonprofit work, human resources, market research, and graduate school pathways, but first-year earnings around $37,000 often reflect entry-level positions that may or may not lead to substantial salary growth. For families financing nearly $27,000 in debt, the question becomes whether your student has a clear plan for leveraging this degree—whether that's a specific career track, graduate school preparation, or professional networks in Columbus.

Given the estimation uncertainty and the wide range of outcomes social sciences graduates experience, treat this as a foundation degree that requires strategic career planning. The debt load isn't alarming, but the return depends entirely on how intentionally your student uses the credential.