Social Sciences at Frederick Community College

Frederick Community College's Social Sciences associate program punches well above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 88th percentile for first-year earnings at $32,749—about $6,500 above what most similar programs deliver. The debt load of roughly $10,800 is manageable, translating to a 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio that allows graduates to pay off loans relatively quickly. However, the small graduate cohort (under 30 students) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year.

The Maryland comparison is less illuminating since only two schools in the state offer this associate-level program, making Frederick essentially tied for the state median. What matters more is the substantial gap above national performance, suggesting the college may have strong local employer connections or its graduates are transferring successfully to four-year programs with good early job prospects. The low Pell Grant rate (18%) indicates a less economically vulnerable student population, which may also contribute to outcomes.

For a two-year degree, this represents solid value—graduates aren't drowning in debt and they're earning more than peers elsewhere. Just remember that with such a small sample, one exceptional or struggling graduate can skew the picture dramatically. If your child plans to use this as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or work in the Frederick area, the fundamentals look sound.