Social Sciences at Plymouth State University

Plymouth State's social sciences bachelor's appears positioned in the middle of a wide-ranging field. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $36,000 in their first year—right at the national median for this degree. The estimated debt of $22,000 is actually below the typical social sciences graduate (who usually carries closer to $25,500), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 that suggests manageable repayment. With the university's 91% admission rate and significant Pell-eligible population, accessibility seems to be part of the school's mission.

The challenge with social sciences degrees is that "first year" earnings often don't tell the full story—these programs prepare students for diverse career paths from social work to research to government, fields where advancement patterns and earning potential vary dramatically. The $36,000 starting point is workable but not generous, and whether it grows meaningfully depends entirely on the specific career direction a student pursues.

For parents weighing this investment: the estimated $22,000 debt is low enough to avoid being financially crippling, particularly compared to peer programs. But social sciences degrees require clear career planning to justify the investment—this isn't a credential with an obvious professional path attached. If your student has specific goals that align with this field (graduate school, public service, certain nonprofit sectors), the accessible debt load makes Plymouth State worth considering. Without that clarity, the modest starting salary deserves careful thought.