Social Sciences at Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State's Social Sciences program shows graduates earning above the national median from year one, hitting nearly $42,000 initially and climbing to $47,000 by year four. That 12% earnings growth suggests the degree opens doors that widen over time. Among Minnesota's 13 social sciences programs, this sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt, meaning it's representative of what you'd expect from an in-state option.

The debt picture is notably better than most programs—landing in the 18th percentile nationally means 82% of similar programs burden students with more loans. At $31,000, that's still substantial, but the first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 is manageable compared to many liberal arts degrees. The steady income progression suggests graduates find stable employment, even if they're not commanding premium salaries right out of the gate.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. Metropolitan State serves a high proportion of Pell-eligible students (44%), and its near-open admissions suggest it's fulfilling an important access mission. For families prioritizing affordability and in-state options, this program delivers solid results without excessive debt. Just understand you're choosing a stable path over a high-earning one, with income levels that are respectable but not exceptional.