Social Sciences at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Based on comparable social sciences programs nationally, graduates of this bachelor's degree can expect around $37,500 in first-year earnings and roughly $27,000 in debt—translating to a debt burden of less than 75% of that first salary. That's manageable by most standards: you're looking at a monthly payment equivalent to about 7-8% of gross income on a standard repayment plan. The challenge? Similar programs in Minnesota typically produce higher earnings (around $42,000), suggesting geography or local connections matter significantly for social sciences graduates.

The national estimate here sits at the 50th percentile for social sciences programs across the country, which means it's right in the middle of the pack. With 376 schools offering this degree, that's neither exceptional nor alarming—just thoroughly average. The 22% Pell grant rate at Saint Mary's suggests this isn't primarily serving the most financially vulnerable students, though the open admission policy (89% acceptance) indicates accessibility isn't an issue.

For parents, the key question is what happens after that first year. Social sciences degrees often gain value through graduate education or career pivoting, so $37,500 shouldn't be viewed as a ceiling. If your student has strong career direction—public policy, social work with a master's pathway, nonprofit management—this debt load won't derail those plans. If they're still exploring, these estimated figures suggest the financial risk is contained, but you'll want clarity on post-graduation support and placement outcomes that peer program data can't capture.