Analysis
Based on comparable social sciences programs in New York, Mount Saint Mary College's outcomes appear typical for the state but trail national figures—estimated first-year earnings of $35,607 sit right at New York's median but about $2,000 below the national benchmark. The estimated debt load of $26,786 translates to a 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly nine months of their first year's salary. That's manageable on paper, but the suppressed data here means we're working from what similar programs achieve, not this specific cohort's results.
What's worth noting is the gap between Mount Saint Mary College and the top-performing social sciences programs in New York. NYU graduates earn 38% more in their first year, while even mid-tier programs like Mercy University show modestly better outcomes. The 82% admission rate and modest test scores suggest this institution serves a different student population than those selective competitors, which could explain some of the earnings difference—but it also means students here may need to be more strategic about internships, networking, and career planning to reach median outcomes.
The core question is whether these estimated figures—average earnings and slightly above-average debt—justify the investment when actual outcomes remain uncertain. For families comfortable with that ambiguity and confident their student can leverage the degree effectively, the numbers aren't alarming. But if you're looking for proven, above-average earning potential from a social sciences bachelor's, the suppressed data and peer program estimates suggest caution.
Where Mount Saint Mary College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,370 | $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 Mount Saint Mary College, 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 median of 8 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.