Social Sciences at Jarvis Christian University

A bachelor's degree in social sciences typically leads to modest starting salaries, and this program appears to follow that pattern. Based on national benchmarks from similar programs, graduates can expect around $36,000 in first-year earnings—right at the national median for the field. With an estimated $27,000 in debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 suggests a manageable burden, though it will require disciplined repayment over several years.

What complicates the picture is context: Jarvis Christian serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (52%), and for many of these students, the comparison isn't other social science programs but whether to pursue a degree at all. The estimated debt here sits below the national median for social sciences programs, and significantly below what similar programs in Texas typically carry (around $50,000). That relative affordability matters, even if the earnings potential remains limited.

The reality is that social sciences degrees often serve as foundation credentials for graduate school or entry into fields like social work, education, or public service—careers where initial earnings don't tell the full story. If your child is drawn to this path and plans to stay in Texas, understand that peer programs suggest starting salaries in the mid-$30,000s. The debt load appears reasonable compared to alternatives, but this degree will likely require either further education or patience in building a career.