Social Sciences at Spring Arbor University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 puts this program in reasonable territory—borrowers would carry debt equal to about nine months of their first-year salary. While both earnings and debt figures here are estimated from comparable social sciences programs nationally, the $36,279 starting salary aligns with the national median for bachelor's-level social sciences graduates, suggesting typical rather than exceptional outcomes. The $27,000 debt load sits slightly above the national program median of $25,500, though it's manageable relative to the expected income.

What complicates the picture is Michigan's market. Other social sciences programs in the state show earnings ranging from $28,442 at Kalamazoo College to $37,408 at Central Michigan, with a state median of $32,925. Spring Arbor's estimated earnings land near the top of this range, but without actual graduate data, you're making assumptions based on what similar programs produce elsewhere. The 37% admission rate and modest test scores suggest Spring Arbor serves a fairly broad student population, which could mean outcomes vary more than these averages suggest.

The practical reality: if your child borrows the estimated amount and earns near the projected salary, they'll face monthly payments around $300 on a standard plan—tight but workable at roughly 10% of gross income. The risk is that social sciences degrees without clear career paths often require additional credentials or networking to convert into stable employment. You're betting on estimates here, so understanding your child's specific career goals and how Spring Arbor supports post-graduation placement becomes essential.