Social Sciences at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

At an estimated $27,000 in debt, Saint Joseph's appears to land right in the middle of what Pennsylvania social science programs typically produce. Similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $43,431, which would put graduates slightly above the national median for this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 suggests that a year's salary would cover roughly 60% of what you borrowed—a manageable but not exceptional outcome that reflects the broader reality of social science degrees.

What's less clear is whether Saint Joseph's specific program delivers better or worse outcomes than these peer programs. The school's 86% admission rate and average SAT of 1256 suggest it's accessible but moderately selective, while only 18% of students receive Pell grants. Pennsylvania has 18 social science programs, and the earnings estimates here match what multiple University of Pittsburgh campuses report, suggesting there may be a consistent market rate for this credential in the state rather than significant variation by institution.

The practical question is whether your child can start their career with debt that equals about seven months of salary. For families comfortable with that burden and confident in their child's ability to leverage a social science degree into stable employment, these estimates suggest a reasonable risk. If graduate school is likely—common in social sciences—factor in additional borrowing before that first paycheck arrives.