Analysis
A $27,000 debt load for first-year earnings around $40,000 creates a manageable starting point, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 falling comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold. Based on comparable social sciences programs in Texas, this estimate aligns with the state median, though it trails stronger performers like UT Rio Grande Valley (earning $47,000) by about $7,000 annually. That gap compounds over time—roughly $35,000 over five years before any raises.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With half of Nelson's students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters deeply, yet we're working entirely with estimates derived from peer programs rather than actual graduate outcomes. The debt figure especially raises questions, as it exceeds the Texas median for social sciences programs by about $6,600. For a school serving many first-generation college students, understanding why debt might run higher than state peers would be crucial.
Given the lack of actual data, families should request placement rates, alumni contacts, and internship support details directly from Nelson. The estimated numbers suggest a workable investment if they hold true, but you're essentially betting on this program performing similarly to its peers—without verification that it does.
Where Nelson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (11 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Nelson UniversityWaxahachie | $18,610 | $40,183* | — | $26,975* | — |
 The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg | $9,859 | $47,248* | $46,843 | $20,238* | 0.43 |
 University of Houston-DowntownHouston | $7,708 | $45,687* | $39,707 | $20,429* | 0.45 |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $34,679* | $52,680 | $22,625* | 0.65 |
 Texas A&M University-San AntonioSan Antonio | $9,548 | $33,812* | — | $18,457* | 0.55 |
| 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 Nelson University, approximately 50% 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 4 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.