Analysis
Looking at comparable social sciences programs across New York, the estimated $35,607 first-year earnings track exactly with the state median—but fall notably short of what stronger programs produce. NYU graduates in this field start near $49,000, and even regional competitors like Manhattan University and Touro place their graduates around $40,000-$41,000. With estimated debt of $26,786, the financial foundation here appears adequate but unremarkable.
The 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly three-quarters of their first-year salary. This aligns with both state and national debt patterns for social sciences bachelor's degrees. However, the real concern isn't the debt load itself—it's the earnings trajectory. Social sciences graduates typically need graduate education or years of career development to reach strong earning potential, and starting $8,000-$13,000 behind peers from nearby schools compounds that challenge.
For families investing in a Manhattanville social sciences degree, recognize you're paying private school tuition (even with aid) for outcomes that peer programs suggest will be middle-of-the-pack at best. If your student has admission options at the higher-performing programs listed above, the earnings gap matters more than modest differences in debt. If Manhattanville is the choice, push your student toward internships and professional connections that can offset a slower earnings start.
Where Manhattanville University 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 (35 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,950 | $35,607* | — | $26,786* | — | |
| $60,438 | $49,016* | $64,549 | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $50,850 | $41,062* | $85,294 | $26,080* | 0.64 | |
| $21,810 | $40,111* | $38,937 | $33,937* | 0.85 | |
| $22,106 | $36,726* | $36,556 | $26,978* | 0.73 | |
| $34,535 | $34,488* | $45,948 | $24,500* | 0.71 | |
| 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 Manhattanville 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 8 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.