Analysis
Based on what similar social sciences programs in New York typically produce, this degree carries a debt load of roughly $26,800 against estimated first-year earnings around $35,600. That 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable payments—below the threshold where borrowers typically struggle—though the program tracks slightly below the national median for social sciences bachelor's degrees ($37,459). The four-year earnings figure of $50,524 shows meaningful income growth, suggesting graduates can improve their positions over time.
What complicates the picture is that both the earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from peer programs across New York, not actual outcomes from St. Thomas Aquinas College graduates. The small sample size that triggered data suppression means we can't know if this program outperforms or underperforms similar schools. For context, NYU's social sciences graduates earn $49,000 in their first year—nearly 40% more than what comparable programs suggest—while other regional competitors cluster closer to these estimates.
The 82% admission rate and low Pell enrollment (18%) hint at a different student profile than more selective or economically diverse institutions, which can influence both career outcomes and how effectively students leverage their degree. If your child is set on social sciences at a private institution, understanding St. Thomas Aquinas's specific career services, alumni network, and graduate school placement would matter more than usual given the absence of program-specific data.
Where St. Thomas Aquinas College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Thomas Aquinas College | — | $50,524 | — |
| Manhattan University | $41,062 | $85,294 | +108% |
| New York University | $49,016 | $64,549 | +32% |
| University at Buffalo | $28,844 | $46,357 | +61% |
| St. Joseph's University-New York | $34,488 | $45,948 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (35 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,720 | $35,607* | $50,524 | $26,786* | — | |
| $60,438 | $49,016* | $64,549 | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $50,850 | $41,062* | $85,294 | $26,080* | 0.64 | |
| $21,810 | $40,111* | $38,937 | $33,937* | 0.85 | |
| $22,106 | $36,726* | $36,556 | $26,978* | 0.73 | |
| $34,535 | $34,488* | $45,948 | $24,500* | 0.71 | |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At St. Thomas Aquinas College, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.