Social Sciences at University of Mary

A Social Sciences degree from University of Mary carries an estimated debt load of $27,000—slightly above both the national median and what's typical in North Dakota—for first-year earnings that peer programs suggest will land around $37,500. That 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming, but it does mean roughly nine months of gross income would go toward paying off educational debt, assuming standard repayment.

The challenge here is context. North Dakota's Social Sciences graduates from comparable programs typically earn about $34,500 in their first year, which would make University of Mary's estimated outcomes look competitive. However, both the earnings and debt figures are derived from national peer programs rather than actual outcomes for Mary's graduates, making it difficult to assess whether this specific program delivers on that promise. The University of North Dakota—the only ND school with reported data—shows first-year earnings at that $34,500 mark, suggesting the state's job market for these degrees may be less robust than the national picture.

For families considering this investment, the fundamental question is whether a private university education (Mary is a Catholic institution) justifies debt levels that mirror or exceed public alternatives when the earnings trajectory remains uncertain. If your child has strong career direction within the social sciences and values Mary's mission-driven environment, the financial picture is manageable. If they're still exploring, starting at a lower-cost option might preserve flexibility without sacrificing outcomes.