Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (31 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Massachusetts Global$53,741
Ashford University$45,588$40,271$41,2810.91
California State University-Stanislaus$39,149$45,978$15,4460.39
California State University-Sacramento$39,061$49,984$16,1940.41
California State University-San Marcos$37,446$43,710$18,7190.50
California State University-Chico$36,382$42,136$16,5000.45
National Median$37,459$25,5000.68

Other Social Sciences Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Ashford University
San Diego
$13,160$45,588$41,281
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock
$7,826$39,149$15,446
California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento
$7,602$39,061$16,194
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos
$7,739$37,446$18,719
California State University-Chico
Chico
$8,064$36,382$16,500

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 University of Massachusetts Global, approximately 23% 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.