Social Sciences at Robert Morris University

A $27,000 debt load against estimated first-year earnings of $43,431 places this program squarely in middle-ground territory for social sciences degrees. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 suggests graduates could reasonably manage their loan payments, though it's worth noting these earnings figures come from the Pennsylvania state median rather than Robert Morris's actual graduate outcomes.

The estimated earnings figure of $43,431 matches what other social sciences programs across Pennsylvania typically produce—and it notably exceeds the national median of $37,459 for this degree. That Pennsylvania advantage isn't unique to Robert Morris; it reflects the state's higher cost of living and stronger job market in sectors that hire social science graduates. The debt figure of $26,972 falls just below the state median of $27,000, meaning students here aren't borrowing significantly more than peers at other Pennsylvania institutions.

The real question is whether Robert Morris provides sufficient value beyond what's measured in these estimated numbers. With a 91% admission rate and only 22% of students receiving Pell grants, this is a relatively accessible private institution serving a mainly middle-income population. If your child is comparing this to state schools where actual outcomes data might be available, those programs could offer similar earning potential at lower cost. The estimated figures suggest financial viability, but without knowing Robert Morris's specific graduate outcomes, you're taking on private school debt based on what comparable programs typically deliver.