Analysis
Looking at comparable social sciences programs in Pennsylvania, first-year earnings around $43,400 align with what peer institutions report—matching the state median and sitting just above the national 75th percentile of $43,100. The estimated debt of roughly $27,000 falls within typical ranges for bachelor's programs nationally. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62, meaning graduates would owe about 62% of their first-year salary—a manageable figure that suggests loan payments shouldn't consume an outsized portion of early-career income.
What matters here is context: La Salle's access mission (33% Pell recipients) and relatively open admission rate (86%) indicate this program serves students who might not have alternatives at more selective institutions. Pennsylvania's social sciences programs cluster tightly around this $43,000 earnings mark regardless of whether they're at regional campuses or flagship universities, which suggests the credential itself carries fairly consistent market value across the state. The estimated figures here place La Salle squarely in the middle of that pack.
The numbers suggest a workable investment if your child is committed to social sciences and values La Salle's location in Philadelphia or its institutional fit. The debt burden appears proportionate to the expected earnings, though you'll want to verify these estimates hold true by checking with the career services office about actual graduate outcomes when available.
Where La Salle University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,570 | $43,431* | — | $26,975* | — | |
| $14,620 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,630 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,646 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $21,524 | $43,431* | $36,020 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| 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 La Salle University, approximately 33% 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 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.