Social Sciences at Radford University

Radford's social sciences bachelor's lands squarely at the national median for both earnings and debt, but lags behind the $41,988 typical for Virginia programs—a gap of roughly $4,500 annually. The first-year earnings estimate of $37,459 comes from national peer programs since Radford's graduate sample was too small to report, while the four-year earnings of $37,377 are actual figures showing essentially flat growth. That stagnation matters: while $25,000 in debt looks reasonable against first-year pay (a 0.67 ratio), graduates aren't seeing the income trajectory that usually makes social sciences degrees pay off over time.

The value question here centers on whether Radford's accessible environment—91% admission rate, serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students—offsets the earnings gap with other Virginia programs. Comparable programs statewide suggest graduates should expect $4,000 more annually, which compounds to significant money over a career. For a family watching every dollar, that's worth understanding: this program produces middle-of-the-pack outcomes nationally but falls short regionally.

The debt is manageable, but parents should expect their graduate to start around $37,000 and potentially stay near that figure for several years. If the goal is maximizing earning potential in social sciences within Virginia, look closely at how Radford's outcomes compare to in-state alternatives.