Social Sciences at Wartburg College

A $27,000 debt load—matching the state median for social sciences programs—paired with estimated first-year earnings around $36,000 suggests this program lands in typical territory for liberal arts colleges in Iowa. Based on comparable bachelor's programs in the social sciences, graduates would face monthly loan payments of roughly $300, which at these income levels means budgeting carefully but not facing crisis.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 falls within the federal government's manageable range (below 1.0), though it doesn't leave much cushion for the income volatility that often characterizes early-career social science work. What matters here is career trajectory: social sciences graduates frequently pursue graduate education or entry-level positions that lead to stronger earnings by their late twenties. The question is whether your child has a clear path forward—whether that's graduate school, specific career goals in nonprofit management, government work, or another field where this degree serves as a foundation.

The reality check: with a 99% admission rate and below-average SAT scores, Wartburg isn't competing on selectivity. If your child thrives in small-college settings and has specific post-graduation plans, these numbers suggest a manageable financial commitment. But if they're undecided about their direction or could achieve similar outcomes at a less expensive public institution, the estimated costs deserve serious scrutiny.