Analysis
The 108% earnings jump between year one and year four suggests Manhattan University's social sciences graduates are finding traction in careers that value their degree, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outliers could be skewing these figures significantly. Still, the pattern is encouraging: first-year earnings of $41,000 climb to $85,000 by year four, well above what most New York social sciences programs deliver.
Within New York, this program sits comfortably in the 60th percentile—ahead of SUNY Buffalo and St. Joseph's, though trailing NYU's stronger outcomes. The $26,080 debt load is manageable given the earnings trajectory, with graduates owing about seven months of their first-year salary. For context, that's slightly below the state median debt for this major.
The caveat here is genuine: with fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. A few alumni landing in high-paying roles could inflate the averages. If your child is drawn to social sciences and attracted to Manhattan's campus, the debt level won't create a crushing burden. Just understand you're looking at a limited dataset that may not predict their individual experience as reliably as programs with hundreds of graduates tracked.
Where Manhattan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Manhattan University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan University | $41,062 | $85,294 | +108% |
| New York University | $49,016 | $64,549 | +32% |
| University at Buffalo | $28,844 | $46,357 | +61% |
| St. Joseph's University-New York | $34,488 | $45,948 | +33% |
| Dominican University New York | $28,351 | $43,248 | +53% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (35 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Manhattan UniversityRiverdale | $50,850 | $41,062 | $85,294 | $26,080 | 0.64 |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $49,016 | $64,549 | $27,000 | 0.55 |
 Touro UniversityNew York | $21,810 | $40,111 | $38,937 | $33,937 | 0.85 |
 Mercy UniversityDobbs Ferry | $22,106 | $36,726 | $36,556 | $26,978 | 0.73 |
 St. Joseph's University-New YorkBrooklyn | $34,535 | $34,488 | $45,948 | $24,500 | 0.71 |
 University at BuffaloBuffalo | $10,782 | $28,844 | $46,357 | $21,000 | 0.73 |
| 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 Manhattan University, approximately 31% 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.