Analysis
A bachelor's in Social Sciences from Keuka College comes with an estimated debt burden of $26,000—slightly above the state median but not dramatically so. However, peer programs in New York typically produce first-year earnings around $35,800, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73. That's manageable on paper, but it means your child would be starting their career owing roughly nine months of gross income, with entry-level earnings that leave little financial cushion in a high cost-of-living state.
The comparison to other New York programs reveals the challenge. CUNY Graduate School graduates earn over $54,000 in their first year, while SUNY Old Westbury and John Jay graduates both clear $37,000-$40,000. These public institutions also tend to leave students with less debt. Keuka's 94% admission rate and modest academic profile suggest it serves a different student population—44% receive Pell grants—but that accessibility comes at a price premium compared to SUNY or CUNY options that deliver stronger financial outcomes.
For families considering Keuka, the question isn't whether Social Sciences is worthwhile—it's whether this particular program justifies its cost when New York's public universities offer comparable or better earnings potential at lower debt levels. If your child needs the smaller campus environment or specific support services Keuka provides, budget carefully for those lean early-career years. Otherwise, the state's public options present a clearer path to financial stability.
Where Keuka College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,000 | $35,772* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $7,410 | $54,265* | — | $12,500* | 0.23 | |
| $8,379 | $40,537* | $51,171 | $19,500* | 0.48 | |
| $7,470 | $37,919* | $49,676 | —* | — | |
| $64,348 | $37,491* | $61,172 | $21,366* | 0.57 | |
| $60,438 | $35,772* | — | $20,188* | 0.56 | |
| 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 Keuka College, approximately 44% 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 9 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.