Social Sciences at Virginia Wesleyan University

Based on comparable Social Sciences bachelor's programs nationwide, graduates here can expect to earn around $36,300 in their first year while carrying roughly $27,000 in debt. That 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in workable territory—you're looking at manageable monthly payments relative to starting income, though there's little room for surprises.

The challenge is that Social Sciences degrees typically require strategic planning for career entry. Similar programs across the country produce this $36,000 starting salary, which puts graduates near the national median for the field but well below what STEM or business majors typically earn. The debt load here is slightly above the national median for these programs, meaning your child would be starting from a position that's fairly typical but not advantageous. Virginia Beach's cost of living could stretch that first-year salary thin.

What matters most is what your child does with the degree. Peer programs succeed when students pursue specific career paths—whether that's continuing to graduate school, targeting government positions in the Hampton Roads area, or building skills through internships that lead to clear job offers. Without that intentionality, a Social Sciences degree at this price point becomes a credential without direction. The numbers suggest this is viable if there's a plan, but it won't create opportunities on its own.