Social Sciences at Saint Mary's College of California

Saint Mary's College charges a steep price for its Social Sciences bachelor's—peer programs at this type of institution typically leave graduates with about $27,000 in debt, which is significantly above both the state median of $16,500 and the national median of $25,500 for this degree. When paired with estimated first-year earnings around $35,000 (matching California's median for social sciences programs), that debt load translates to a 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates face nearly eight months of their first year's salary in student loans.

The earnings picture tells an additional story. While $35,000 is competitive with California's average for this field, several CSU campuses are producing social sciences graduates who earn $37,000-$45,000 in their first year. Given that Saint Mary's admits 89% of applicants, families should recognize they're likely paying a premium—in borrowed money—without clear evidence of a corresponding earnings advantage. The gap between estimated debt here and what students typically borrow at public alternatives is substantial enough to matter over a 10-year repayment period.

For families considering this program, the central question is whether Saint Mary's specific advantages—smaller classes, campus culture, or network—justify borrowing roughly $10,000 more than the California norm for similar outcomes. If financial aid significantly reduces that debt burden, the calculation changes. But at full estimated borrowing levels, this represents a challenging financial start for a field where earnings grow gradually rather than dramatically.