Analysis
A $27,000 debt load for a bachelor's degree sits right at the West Virginia median for social sciences programs, but the earnings trajectory here deserves careful attention. Peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $36,279, yet this program's actual reported earnings four years out come in slightly lower at $34,795. That backward slide—even if modest—signals a field where early career momentum may be harder to build than in technical disciplines.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 means graduates would need to allocate about three-quarters of their first year's salary to clear their loans, though in reality they'd be managing monthly payments while covering living expenses. For families already stretching financially—and with 42% of students here receiving Pell grants—this program requires a clear career plan. Social sciences degrees typically serve as foundations for graduate school, teaching, social work, or nonprofit careers, many of which demand additional credentials before reaching solid earning potential.
The practical question: Can your child articulate what they'll do with this degree beyond graduation? If the answer involves immediate employment in West Virginia's limited social sciences job market, the numbers suggest a tight margin. If it's a stepping stone to graduate school or relocation to stronger markets, factor those additional costs and time into your calculation now, not later.
Where Glenville State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glenville State University | — | $34,795 | — |
| University of California-Berkeley | $61,109 | $97,257 | +59% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $34,845 | $62,428 | +79% |
| Boston University | $48,243 | $61,389 | +27% |
| University of Rochester | $37,491 | $61,172 | +63% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Glenville State UniversityGlenville | $9,412 | $36,279* | $34,795 | $27,000 | — |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $61,109* | $97,257 | $15,000 | 0.25 |
 CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York | $7,410 | $54,265* | — | $12,500 | 0.23 |
 Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick | $17,239 | $51,753* | $59,341 | $25,000 | 0.48 |
 Boston UniversityBoston | $65,168 | $48,243* | $61,389 | — | — |
 Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusIndiana | $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 Glenville State University, approximately 42% 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.