Analysis
A bachelor's in Social Sciences from Hope International University comes with an estimated debt load of $27,000—substantially higher than the $16,500 median for comparable California programs. When you're borrowing that much for first-year earnings that similar programs suggest will be around $35,000, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77, which means nearly eight months of gross income just to cover what was borrowed.
The earnings estimate itself, drawn from peer Social Sciences programs across California, sits right at the state median but trails behind what graduates from Cal State campuses typically earn. Those CSU programs show first-year earnings in the $36,000-$39,000 range with considerably less debt. With 43% of Hope students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already stretching financially, making that higher debt burden particularly consequential.
The fundamental issue is paying private university debt levels—the $27,000 estimate comes from similar private nonprofit schools nationally—while career outcomes appear consistent with state schools that cost substantially less. For a Social Sciences degree where earnings potential starts modest regardless of where you study, graduating with $10,000 more debt than the California norm creates years of additional financial pressure without clear career advantages to offset it.
Where Hope International University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Hope International UniversityFullerton | $36,250 | $34,871* | — | $26,975* | — |
 Ashford UniversitySan Diego | $13,160 | $45,588* | $40,271 | $41,281* | 0.91 |
 California State University-StanislausTurlock | $7,826 | $39,149* | $45,978 | $15,446* | 0.39 |
 California State University-SacramentoSacramento | $7,602 | $39,061* | $49,984 | $16,194* | 0.41 |
 California State University-San MarcosSan Marcos | $7,739 | $37,446* | $43,710 | $18,719* | 0.50 |
 California State University-ChicoChico | $8,064 | $36,382* | $42,136 | $16,500* | 0.45 |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
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 Hope International University, approximately 43% 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 median of 11 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.