Social Sciences at North Central College

A Bachelor's in Social Sciences at North Central positions graduates below what similar programs in Illinois typically deliver. While peer programs statewide suggest median first-year earnings around $40,500, and schools like Benedictine and Lake Forest place their graduates above $39,000, estimates for North Central cluster around $36,300—roughly $4,000 less annually than the Illinois norm.

The estimated debt load of $27,000 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74, which falls within manageable territory by standard measures. That said, social sciences graduates often pursue careers where earnings grow slowly in early years or require graduate degrees for advancement. Starting at $36,000 with this debt burden means tight budgets initially, and it's worth understanding whether your child's specific career path within social sciences—whether that's social work, research, policy, or something else—typically requires additional credentials that would add to this debt picture.

The reality is we're working with estimates here because the graduate sample was too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. What matters is whether your child has clear career goals that justify this investment. If they're passionate about social sciences but unsure about the specific direction, spending this much at a school where outcomes trail state peers deserves scrutiny. If they have a defined path and North Central offers unique opportunities in that area, the slightly lower earnings become less concerning.