Social Sciences at Russell Sage College

Russell Sage College's social sciences graduates start with particularly low earnings—$27,436 puts this program in just the 5th percentile nationally—but the trajectory tells a more complex story. Four years out, median earnings jump to $46,238, representing 69% growth that actually surpasses both state and national benchmarks for the field. Among New York's 25 social sciences programs, this ranks at the 25th percentile, well behind SUNY and CUNY options that deliver stronger initial earnings with substantially lower debt.

The immediate concern is that first-year salary barely covers the $26,865 in debt, creating a tight financial squeeze right when graduates are establishing themselves. While debt levels are slightly above the state median, they're not excessive compared to national averages. The real question is whether enduring those difficult early years makes sense when SUNY Old Westbury graduates start at $40,537 or CUNY John Jay at $37,919—both likely with lower costs for New York residents.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) is crucial context. These numbers could shift significantly with more data, and individual outcomes will vary widely. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates eventually find their footing, but starting nearly $10,000 below the state median requires serious financial planning. If your child is set on Russell Sage specifically, understand they'll likely need family support or careful budgeting through those first couple years after graduation.