Analysis
Oklahoma Wesleyan's social sciences bachelor's typically costs students around $27,000 in debt based on lending patterns at similar private institutions, leading to first-year earnings that peer programs nationally place near $36,000. That 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory—graduates would dedicate about nine months of gross income to clear their student loans. For context, the national median debt for social sciences degrees is $25,500, so this estimate tracks closely with typical borrowing levels.
The challenge here is that social sciences is a broad category encompassing psychology, sociology, political science, and related fields, each with different career trajectories. Programs at comparable schools nationally show first-year earnings ranging from the low $30,000s to over $42,000 at the 75th percentile, suggesting that career outcomes depend heavily on specialization, internships, and whether graduates pursue additional credentials. A general social sciences degree often serves as a foundation for graduate school rather than direct career entry.
For families considering this investment, the estimated debt load appears manageable if your student has a clear plan—whether that's entering a specific field like social work or human resources, or using this degree as a stepping stone to graduate education. Without that direction, $27,000 in debt for uncertain $36,000 earnings deserves serious conversation about career goals before enrollment.
Where Oklahoma Wesleyan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31,466 | $36,279* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $14,850 | $61,109* | $97,257 | $15,000* | 0.25 | |
| $7,410 | $54,265* | — | $12,500* | 0.23 | |
| $17,239 | $51,753* | $59,341 | $25,000* | 0.48 | |
| $65,168 | $48,243* | $61,389 | —* | — | |
| $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 Oklahoma Wesleyan University, approximately 39% 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.