Social Sciences at University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus's Social Sciences program significantly outperforms the national market, with first-year graduates earning $50,557—well above the $37,459 national median and comfortably ahead of Maryland's $44,246 state median. At the 95th percentile nationally, this program delivers exceptional entry-level outcomes. However, that 60th percentile ranking within Maryland tells a more nuanced story: it's a strong performer, but not extraordinary by state standards where competition is limited to just five programs.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory. Graduates see their median income drop from $50,557 to $45,636 by year four—a 10% decline that's unusual for any bachelor's program. This could reflect the program's focus on working adults who may be transitioning careers or the nature of Global Campus's primarily online student body, but it warrants attention. The debt load of $23,599 is manageable with a 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio, giving graduates reasonable breathing room even as earnings dip.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the strong starting salary justifies the subsequent decline. If your child needs immediate earning power and can leverage that first-year advantage strategically—perhaps for career pivoting or credential building—this could work well. But if you're expecting steady income growth typical of most bachelor's degrees, the downward trend four years out suggests this may not be the traditional launching pad you're seeking.