Analysis
The small sample size here matters—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could swing significantly with just a few more data points. That said, Rochester's social sciences graduates start at nearly identical earnings to New York's median ($37,491 vs. $35,772) while carrying the exact same debt load of $21,366, putting them in the middle of the pack for the state.
What stands out is the 63% earnings growth by year four, climbing to $61,172—well above both state and national medians. This suggests the program's value compounds over time, though whether that reflects Rochester's selective environment (1480 average SAT, 36% admission rate) or genuine program quality is hard to separate. Among New York social sciences programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for early earnings but trails specialized institutions like CUNY's Graduate School significantly.
The debt picture is reasonable: borrowing roughly $21,000 to earn $37,000 initially gives you breathing room, and by year four you're earning nearly three times your debt. For a family considering Rochester's full sticker price, these outcomes justify the investment only if need-based aid brings costs down substantially—the program works financially, but probably not at premium pricing. The real risk is that small sample: these figures could look quite different with a larger graduate cohort.
Where University of Rochester Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Rochester graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Rochester | $37,491 | $61,172 | +63% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $34,845 | $62,428 | +79% |
| SUNY Old Westbury | $40,537 | $51,171 | +26% |
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | $37,919 | $49,676 | +31% |
| St Lawrence University | $32,933 | $47,311 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of RochesterRochester | $64,348 | $37,491 | $61,172 | $21,366 | 0.57 |
 CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York | $7,410 | $54,265 | — | $12,500 | 0.23 |
 SUNY Old WestburyOld Westbury | $8,379 | $40,537 | $51,171 | $19,500 | 0.48 |
 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal JusticeNew York | $7,470 | $37,919 | $49,676 | — | — |
 New York UniversityNew York | $60,438 | $35,772 | — | $20,188 | 0.56 |
 Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York | $69,045 | $34,845 | $62,428 | $26,000 | 0.75 |
| 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 Rochester, approximately 16% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 24 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.