Analysis
Is a debt load of $22,000 manageable on social sciences earnings? For University of Pittsburgh-Bradford, the answer appears cautiously optimistic. While both earnings and debt figures here are estimated from peer programs (earnings from similar PA social sciences programs, debt from comparable institutions nationally), the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 sits well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. This suggests graduates could realistically pay down their loans within a few years if they commit significant income to repayment.
The earnings trajectory tells an interesting story. First-year earnings around $42,800 (based on Pennsylvania social sciences programs) match the state median and actually exceed the national benchmark of $36,300 by nearly $7,000. However, the four-year mark shows virtually no growth—earnings rise to just $44,300. This stagnation suggests that social sciences careers from this program may require either additional credentialing or strategic career pivots to reach higher income levels.
For families weighing this investment, the relatively moderate debt burden provides breathing room that many social sciences programs don't offer. With 46% of students receiving Pell grants, Bradford serves a predominantly working-class population, making that lower debt figure particularly important. The key question is whether your child has a clear plan for turning this credential into career advancement, since the earnings plateau suggests the degree alone may not drive significant salary growth.
Where University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh-Bradford | — | $44,311 | — |
| University of California-Berkeley | $61,109 | $97,257 | +59% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $34,845 | $62,428 | +79% |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | $42,844 | $46,334 | +8% |
| Keystone College | $35,568 | $40,622 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Pittsburgh-BradfordBradford | $14,620 | $42,844* | $44,311 | $22,116* | — |
 Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusIndiana | $11,380 | $45,509* | — | —* | — |
 Millersville University of PennsylvaniaMillersville | $12,262 | $42,844* | $46,334 | $27,000* | 0.63 |
 Keystone CollegeLa Plume | $17,850 | $35,568* | $40,622 | $27,000* | 0.76 |
| National Median | — | $36,279* | — | $25,500* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
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 Pittsburgh-Bradford, approximately 46% 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 median of 3 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.