Analysis
Tidewater Community College's Social Sciences associate's stands out in Virginia's community college landscape, ranking 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $29,425—nearly $6,000 above the state median. While these numbers might seem modest in absolute terms, they're competitive nationally (72nd percentile) and come with manageable debt of $11,000, well below typical student loan burdens. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means graduates owe roughly four months' salary, a reasonable starting point for an associate's degree.
What makes this particularly noteworthy is the earnings trajectory: graduates see 11% income growth by year four, reaching $32,649. Among Virginia's five community colleges offering this program, only Virginia Peninsula posts higher earnings. The combination of above-average starting pay and steady growth suggests graduates are finding decent employment opportunities in the Norfolk area, likely leveraging the region's diverse economy.
For families weighing community college options in Virginia, Tidewater offers solid value—especially for students planning to transfer to a four-year program or enter the workforce in social services, education support, or related fields. The relatively low debt burden keeps options open without creating financial pressure to settle for any job immediately after graduation.
Where Tidewater Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Tidewater Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tidewater Community College | $29,425 | $32,649 | +11% |
| Northern Virginia Community College | $23,637 | $37,502 | +59% |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | $18,164 | $35,739 | +97% |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | $25,478 | $33,944 | +33% |
| Virginia Western Community College | $19,220 | $32,465 | +69% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Social Sciences associates's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tidewater Community CollegeNorfolk | $5,714 | $29,425 | $32,649 | $11,000 | 0.37 |
 Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeHampton | $4,944 | $25,478 | $33,944 | $10,500 | 0.41 |
 Northern Virginia Community CollegeAnnandale | $5,703 | $23,637 | $37,502 | $10,500 | 0.44 |
 Virginia Western Community CollegeRoanoke | $5,256 | $19,220 | $32,465 | $9,128 | 0.47 |
 J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeRichmond | $5,136 | $18,164 | $35,739 | $12,500 | 0.69 |
| National Median | — | $26,231 | — | $9,314 | 0.36 |
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 Tidewater Community College, approximately 29% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 220 graduates with reported earnings and 460 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.