Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 suggests this Social Sciences bachelor's would require graduates to dedicate about seven months of their first year's salary to loan repayment—a manageable burden compared to many liberal arts programs. Based on national data from peer programs, first-year earnings around $36,000 align with typical outcomes for social science graduates, though this represents the lower end of bachelor's degree holders overall. The estimated $22,000 in debt sits below the national median for this field, which offers some relief given the modest starting salary.
The challenge lies in what these figures don't capture. Social sciences degrees serve as launching pads for diverse careers—some graduates pursue graduate school for social work or counseling, others enter business or nonprofit roles, and career trajectories vary wildly depending on specialization and career path. Northern Arizona's 91% admission rate and 30% Pell Grant population suggest accessibility, but without specific program data, you're working blind on how well NAU's graduates specifically fare in the job market compared to Arizona State or University of Arizona.
For this program to pay off, your child needs a clear plan. The estimated numbers suggest acceptable but not impressive returns, meaning career services, internship access, and post-graduation support become critical factors you should investigate directly with the university.
Where Northern Arizona University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff | $12,652 | $36,279* | — | $22,116* | — |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $61,109* | $97,257 | $15,000* | 0.25 |
 CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York | $7,410 | $54,265* | — | $12,500* | 0.23 |
 Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick | $17,239 | $51,753* | $59,341 | $25,000* | 0.48 |
 Boston UniversityBoston | $65,168 | $48,243* | $61,389 | —* | — |
 Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusIndiana | $11,380 | $45,509* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $36,279* | — | $25,500* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
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 Northern Arizona University, 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 national median of 33 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.