Analysis
A debt load of $22,116 against first-year earnings around $36,000 creates a manageable financial picture for this social sciences degree, though both figures come from peer institutions rather than UWF's specific outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 sits comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold, suggesting graduates from similar programs can typically service their loans without severe financial strain.
The challenge here is that social sciences degrees—spanning everything from sociology to political science—produce vastly different career trajectories depending on the specific major and what students do after graduation. Programs nationally show first-year earnings ranging from the low $30,000s to over $42,000, a spread that reflects whether graduates pursue public service, education, corporate roles, or graduate school. Without UWF's actual data, it's difficult to know where their graduates land in this spectrum or what local employment patterns in Pensacola might mean for job prospects.
For parents, the relatively modest debt estimate offers some comfort, but the broader uncertainty means you'll need to dig deeper into your child's specific major within social sciences and their post-graduation plans. The real value proposition depends entirely on whether this degree serves as a stepping stone to graduate school, opens doors to specific career paths your child is targeting, or simply provides a general credential—questions that estimated peer data can't answer.
Where University of West Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,360 | $36,279* | — | $22,116* | — | |
| $14,850 | $61,109* | $97,257 | $15,000* | 0.25 | |
| $7,410 | $54,265* | — | $12,500* | 0.23 | |
| $17,239 | $51,753* | $59,341 | $25,000* | 0.48 | |
| $65,168 | $48,243* | $61,389 | —* | — | |
| $11,380 | $45,509* | — | —* | — | |
| 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 West Florida, approximately 33% 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 33 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.