Social Sciences at Long Island University

A Social Sciences bachelor's from Long Island University likely leaves graduates with estimated debt of $26,786—slightly above the national median—while earnings from comparable New York programs suggest first-year income around $35,607. That 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates would need to dedicate roughly three-quarters of their first year's salary to clear the debt, though actual repayment would typically stretch over a decade at manageable monthly payments.

What's concerning is how this stacks up against top performers in the state. NYU's Social Sciences graduates earn $49,016 their first year—nearly $14,000 more—while programs at Manhattan University and Touro also significantly outpace the typical outcome for similar programs. Even Saint Joseph's University, just slightly below these estimates, represents actual reported data rather than projections based on peer schools. This gap matters because Social Sciences degrees often require graduate education for career advancement, making that initial earning power crucial for managing debt before potentially taking on more.

For families considering LIU, the key question is whether this particular program justifies taking on debt close to the state median when higher-performing alternatives exist nearby. The school's 90% admission rate suggests accessibility, but without actual outcomes data for this specific program, you're betting on peer program performance rather than LIU's track record. If your student has admission options at schools with stronger documented earnings, those deserve serious consideration.