Social Sciences at Great Basin College

A bachelor's in Social Sciences from Great Basin College comes with estimated debt of $24,423—slightly below the national median for this field—but earnings projections based on comparable programs nationally suggest first-year income around $37,500. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary. For context, social sciences programs nationally cluster around these same earnings and debt figures, so this trajectory appears fairly typical for the field.

The challenge is that social sciences degrees often serve as stepping stones rather than direct career pathways. That $37,500 estimate reflects all graduates, including those entering administrative roles, nonprofits, or continuing to graduate school—sectors where early earnings don't always capture long-term potential. Nevada's limited number of social sciences programs (just two statewide) means there's less data to benchmark locally, but the state's economy leans heavily toward hospitality and mining rather than traditional social science employment sectors.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is what comes after graduation. If your student plans to pursue graduate education in fields like law, counseling, or public policy, this could be a foundation worth building on. If they're heading straight to work, understanding which specific career path they're targeting—and whether Nevada's job market supports it—matters more than the degree itself. The estimated figures suggest manageable debt, but only if there's a clear plan for putting this broad credential to work.