Social Sciences at Youngstown State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 sits in reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree, though both the estimated $24,400 debt load and $37,500 first-year earnings come from national peer programs rather than Youngstown State's actual outcomes. Social sciences degrees typically produce modest early earnings regardless of institution, and these estimates align with the national median for the field. The concern is whether Youngstown State specifically—with its 80% admission rate and students drawn from a region with limited economic mobility—can match these national benchmarks, or whether its graduates face steeper headwinds in Ohio's job market.

The real test comes in years two through five, when social sciences graduates typically see substantial earnings growth as they move beyond entry-level positions. But with no reported data for this specific program or comparable Ohio schools, you're essentially betting on Youngstown State's ability to deliver outcomes that match the national average. For families already in the Youngstown area where living costs are low, that $24,400 debt might be manageable even if earnings lag slightly. For out-of-state families or those borrowing more heavily, the lack of program-specific outcomes makes this a harder call. You need direct evidence from the school about graduate placement rates and employer relationships before committing.