Analysis
Washington State University's social sciences program stands out nationally, placing graduates in the 75th percentile for earnings compared to similar programs across the country. With first-year earnings of $43,069—well above the national median of $37,459—graduates start with a meaningful income advantage that grows to $53,186 by year four, representing solid 24% growth over time.
The debt picture is reasonable at $25,409, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 that allows graduates to service loans without financial strain. Within Washington state, the program performs at the median level, though it trails the University of Washington's impressive $57,538 starting salary. This makes sense given WSU's broader accessibility (85% admission rate) compared to more selective alternatives.
For parents weighing this investment, WSU delivers strong value in social sciences—significantly outperforming national competitors while maintaining moderate debt levels. The robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes, and the steady earnings growth suggests graduates develop marketable skills over time. Unless your child can secure admission to UW's more competitive program, WSU represents a solid choice that combines accessibility with above-average financial returns.
Where Washington State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Washington State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State University | $43,069 | $53,186 | +23% |
| Manhattan University | $41,062 | $85,294 | +108% |
| Vanderbilt University | $61,389 | $80,320 | +31% |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $57,538 | $79,100 | +37% |
| Central Washington University | $42,332 | $51,280 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Washington State UniversityPullman | $12,997 | $43,069 | $53,186 | $25,409 | 0.59 |
 University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle | $12,643 | $57,538 | $79,100 | $20,559 | 0.36 |
 Central Washington UniversityEllensburg | $9,192 | $42,332 | $51,280 | $26,181 | 0.62 |
| 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 Washington State University, approximately 26% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 380 graduates with reported earnings and 432 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.