Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 suggests Wayne State College's social sciences bachelor's could be manageable financially, with estimated borrowing of $24,423 against first-year earnings around $37,500. Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary—a reasonable position that allows for loan repayment without overwhelming a starting budget. The estimated debt here runs about $10,000 below what similar Nebraska programs typically produce, which matters significantly when you're facing monthly loan bills.
The earnings picture sits right at the national median for social sciences degrees, meaning Wayne State's program appears neither to confer a premium nor impose a penalty compared to peer institutions. With just five schools offering this major in Nebraska, local comparisons are limited, but Bellevue University's reported outcomes align closely with these estimates. Social sciences graduates typically need to clarify their career path early—whether that's human services, research, business applications, or graduate school—since the bachelor's itself opens doors to entry-level positions rather than specialized roles.
For families weighing this investment, the estimated debt burden looks workable if your student has clear post-graduation plans that can generate income near these projections. The uncertainty around these figures means confirming typical career trajectories with the department directly, but the fundamentals—moderate debt paired with median earnings—suggest a program that won't trap graduates in financial difficulty.
Where Wayne State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,970 | $37,459* | — | $24,423* | — | |
| $8,886 | $37,335* | $39,782 | $34,734* | 0.93 | |
| 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 Wayne State College, approximately 27% 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 76 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.