Social Sciences at Western Kentucky University

Bachelor's Degree

Location: Bowling Green, KY•In-State Tuition: $11,436•Out-of-State Tuition: $27,000•Admission Rate: 97%•Avg SAT: 977
Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,659
55th percentile (60th in KY)
Est. Median Debt
$24,423
Est. from national median (50 programs)
Sample Size
18
Limited data

Earnings Distribution

How Western Kentucky University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Western Kentucky University graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all social sciences bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (11 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Western Kentucky University$38,659$41,015$24,423*—
National Median$37,459—$25,500*0.68
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Western Kentucky University, approximately 29% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.