Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,459
Est. from national median (76 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,975
Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

Missouri Baptist's estimated debt load of $27,000 sits about $7,000 below what similar social sciences programs typically generate in Missouri, where the median hovers around $34,000. That's a meaningful difference when paired with first-year earnings around $37,500—a figure drawn from national peer programs since this specific program's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to report publicly.

The 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, at least compared to programs where graduates carry debt equivalent to their full first year of income. However, social sciences bachelor's degrees typically lead to careers requiring additional credentialing or graduate work, meaning this $37,500 baseline may represent an entry point rather than a destination salary. The relatively low debt becomes more important in that context—you're potentially looking at funding further education without already being overleveraged.

The uncertainty here matters. We're working with estimates derived from comparable programs nationally and across Missouri, not actual outcomes from Missouri Baptist graduates in this field. Southeast Missouri State, the only in-state program with public data, reports nearly identical earnings but higher debt. That pattern is encouraging but not conclusive. If your child is set on social sciences and values a smaller, faith-based environment, the debt picture appears reasonable—just recognize you're making that choice with limited visibility into this program's specific track record.

Where Missouri Baptist University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Missouri Baptist UniversitySaint Louis$33,122$37,459*$26,975*
Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau$9,496$37,193*$34,390*0.92
National Median$37,459*$25,500*0.68
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

$62,970/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

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 Missouri Baptist University, approximately 13% 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 76 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.