Science, Technology and Society at James Madison University

James Madison's interdisciplinary Science, Technology and Society program launches graduates into surprisingly strong earnings trajectories. First-year salaries of $54,235 jump 30% to over $70,000 by year four—outpacing the national median for this program by 57% at the four-year mark. The program ranks in the 75th percentile nationally, a notable achievement given that fewer than 50 schools nationwide offer this degree. Students graduate with just under $24,000 in debt, giving them a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 that's well below concerning thresholds.

The moderate sample size suggests this data reflects 30-100 graduates, which is meaningful but not massive. What's harder to contextualize: JMU appears to be one of only two Virginia schools offering this specific degree, making state comparisons limited. Still, the program clearly differentiates itself from typical humanities or social science outcomes. Graduates seem to be landing roles that value their technical literacy combined with social science training—perhaps in policy analysis, consulting, or tech companies seeking ethically-informed product managers.

For families concerned about liberal arts employment outcomes, this program offers a practical counter-example. The debt level is reasonable, the earnings growth is robust, and graduates appear to be accessing career paths that reward their hybrid skill set with steady salary progression.