Analysis
In Oregon, Social Sciences bachelor's programs show earnings clustering around $35,000-$38,000 in the first year, with the strongest programs reaching above $40,000. Warner Pacific's estimated figures—$35,590 in earnings against $26,975 in debt—place it squarely in the middle of this range, suggesting outcomes similar to larger state universities like Oregon State.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 means nearly eight months of gross income would be needed to cover the total debt, which falls within manageable territory for a bachelor's degree. However, these estimates come from peer programs rather than Warner Pacific's actual graduate outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether this smaller institution matches state patterns. With 46% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive, making that debt load particularly relevant.
What you're looking at is likely a middle-of-the-road investment for a Social Sciences degree. The estimated figures don't raise red flags, but they don't suggest exceptional value either. Before committing, confirm whether your student has specific career plans that justify this credential—Social Sciences degrees often require graduate school or strategic career planning to maximize earning potential. The uncertainty around Warner Pacific's actual outcomes means you should weigh any special qualities of the program (small class sizes, specific faculty expertise, location advantages) against the known track records of Oregon's larger public universities.
Where Warner Pacific University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,010 | $35,590* | — | $26,975* | — | |
| $12,093 | $41,835* | — | $27,167* | 0.65 | |
| $15,669 | $38,147* | $55,393 | $22,917* | 0.60 | |
| $13,494 | $35,590* | — | —* | — | |
| $12,594 | $35,590* | — | —* | — | |
| $11,238 | $35,093* | $43,084 | $31,000* | 0.88 | |
| National Median | — | $37,459* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
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 Warner Pacific University, 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 6 similar programs in OR. Actual outcomes may vary.