Analysis
A bachelor's in Social Sciences at Wilmington University comes with an estimated debt load of $27,000—slightly above the national median for these programs—while similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,500. That 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio falls into manageable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly nine months of their first year's salary. For context, Delaware has limited options for Social Sciences bachelor's programs, which makes direct in-state comparisons difficult.
The challenge with Social Sciences degrees broadly is that they serve as springboards to various careers, from social work to business roles, and outcomes depend heavily on the specific path a graduate pursues. Based on peer programs, the $37,500 starting point suggests modest early earnings that could grow substantially with the right career moves or graduate education. The debt isn't crushing, but it's meaningful enough that your child should have a clear plan for how they'll apply this degree—whether that's immediate employment, graduate school, or a specific career track that values this credential.
The practical question is whether Wilmington's flexibility and accessibility justify the estimated cost when Delaware offers few alternatives and the career trajectory for Social Sciences graduates varies so widely. If your child has a concrete plan that requires this degree and values the program's structure, the debt burden appears workable. Without that clarity, the estimated outcomes suggest caution about taking on debt for a credential whose value depends entirely on what comes next.
Where Wilmington University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,330 | $37,459* | — | $26,975* | — | |
| $40,890 | $61,612* | — | $47,010* | 0.76 | |
| $63,946 | $61,389* | $80,320 | $11,000* | 0.18 | |
| $12,643 | $57,538* | $79,100 | $20,559* | 0.36 | |
| $59,076 | $56,540* | $72,825 | $19,937* | 0.35 | |
| $19,000 | $56,221* | $42,471 | $25,805* | 0.46 | |
| 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 Wilmington 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.
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.