Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 suggests manageable borrowing, but the context matters. Similar social sciences programs at private institutions in New York produce first-year earnings around $35,600—well below what graduates at NYU or Manhattan University see, yet typical for programs at schools with comparable selectivity. The estimated $26,800 in debt aligns closely with what most NY social sciences majors carry, meaning the financial burden here isn't unusually heavy, just standard for the field.
The challenge is that social sciences degrees broadly—whether from Roberts Wesleyan or its peers—tend to start modestly. At roughly $36,000, these estimated first-year earnings lag behind the national median across all bachelor's degrees (around $44,000). That's not unique to this program; it reflects the reality that social sciences careers often require additional credentials or time to build earning power. The 40% Pell grant population suggests Roberts Wesleyan serves students who may be more debt-sensitive, making that initial earning period particularly important.
Without program-specific outcomes data, you're making an investment decision based on peer performance rather than this school's track record. If your child is committed to social sciences and values Roberts Wesleyan's environment, the estimated debt load won't be crushing. But confirm what career support and internship networks exist—those connections often determine whether graduates land closer to $35,000 or break into the $40,000+ range that top NY programs achieve.
Where Roberts Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (35 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,504 | $35,607* | — | $26,786* | — | |
| $60,438 | $49,016* | $64,549 | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $50,850 | $41,062* | $85,294 | $26,080* | 0.64 | |
| $21,810 | $40,111* | $38,937 | $33,937* | 0.85 | |
| $22,106 | $36,726* | $36,556 | $26,978* | 0.73 | |
| $34,535 | $34,488* | $45,948 | $24,500* | 0.71 | |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
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 Roberts Wesleyan University, approximately 40% 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 median of 8 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.