Analysis
A $24,000 debt load paired with first-year earnings around $37,500 suggests this bachelor's degree would take manageable effort to pay off—the 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold. However, both figures are national estimates based on peer programs, not reported outcomes from UNH's social sciences graduates specifically. The actual debt burden here may differ, particularly since New Hampshire's median for social sciences programs runs considerably higher at $35,354.
The earnings estimate aligns with the national median but falls noticeably short of what the one New Hampshire peer program with reported data shows—Southern New Hampshire University's social sciences graduates earn $42,932 in their first year, nearly $5,500 more. Whether UNH's program tracks closer to this state figure or to national averages matters significantly for your child's financial trajectory. The university's solid academic profile (1229 average SAT, selective enough to be competitive) suggests it could perform above the national baseline, but without actual graduate data, that remains speculative.
If your child is set on social sciences at UNH, the estimated debt picture doesn't scream disaster, but the earnings uncertainty is real. Press the university for more specific career outcomes data or talk to recent alumni directly about their post-graduation experiences. The gap between state and national benchmarks is too wide to assume either tells the full story.
Where University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,112 | $37,459* | — | $24,423* | — | |
| $16,450 | $42,932* | $46,694 | $35,354* | 0.82 | |
| 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 University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, 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 national median of 76 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.