Analysis
Madonna University's Social Sciences bachelor's falls in the middle of Michigan's landscape for the field, with peer programs suggesting first-year earnings around $36,279—above the state median of $32,925 but tracking closely with what Central Michigan reports for its graduates. The estimated $27,000 debt load sits near national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 that's manageable if not impressive. This ratio means roughly nine months of gross income would cover the debt, which represents a reasonable starting point for social sciences majors who often need graduate credentials to advance significantly in their careers.
What's less certain is how Madonna's open-admission environment (93% acceptance rate) affects outcomes within these national estimates. Social sciences encompasses everything from economics to sociology, and the specific concentration choices available here—combined with internship opportunities in the Detroit metro area—will likely matter more than the baseline figures suggest. Programs serving Madonna's student population (30% receive Pell grants) sometimes produce stronger-than-expected outcomes through career services and regional employer connections, but without actual graduate data, that's speculation rather than evidence your family can bank on.
Where Madonna University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,360 | $36,279* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $14,190 | $37,408* | $52,781 | $27,000* | 0.72 | |
| $58,764 | $28,442* | $42,198 | $24,821* | 0.87 | |
| 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 Madonna University, approximately 30% 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 national median of 33 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.