Social Sciences at University of St Thomas

Similar social sciences programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,500, while Minnesota graduates in this field typically earn closer to $42,000—a notable gap that warrants attention. With estimated debt of $27,000, you're looking at borrowing about nine months' worth of first-year income based on the national estimate, though if actual outcomes align more with Minnesota's median, the debt burden becomes more manageable at roughly seven months' earnings.

The bigger question is whether a private university premium makes sense here. Metropolitan State University's social sciences graduates report earning that $42,000 figure, likely with considerably less debt at a public institution. University of St. Thomas brings a smaller, more selective environment (85% admission rate, 1296 average SAT) and only 20% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting a more affluent student body. Whether those factors justify potentially higher costs depends on your family's financial position and what your child values in their college experience.

Social sciences degrees are versatile but rarely lead to high-paying entry-level positions. If your child plans graduate school—common in this field—keeping undergraduate debt low becomes even more critical. The estimated figures here suggest a manageable debt load if actual outcomes track with peer programs, but confirm the school's net price after aid before committing, especially if you'll need loans to cover the full cost of attendance.