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General Social Sciences

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for General Social Sciences.

Entry Level Salary
$39,739
Median Salary
$75,307
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
31.2%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,012,280
Entry (Early)
$39,739
Median (Prime)
$75,307
High (Prime)
$78,783

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-98k
+207k
+236k
$25k / yr
-188k
+117k
+146k
$50k / yr
-277k
+27k
+56k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
28
27
$25k / yr
Never
36
34
$50k / yr
Never
53
47

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-172%
108%
134%
$50k / yr
-128%
13%
26%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate34.3%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Elementary and middle school teachers

6.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$46,153
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,311|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Management occupations

4.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$107,184|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Secondary school teachers

3.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$65,382
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$71,831|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%

Lawyers, judges, and related workers

2.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$132,386|$155,120
openings
31,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.5%

Social workers, all other

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$54,655|$71,900
openings
5,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.3%

Education and childcare administrators

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$63,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$102,260
openings
44,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.1%

Postsecondary teachers

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$27,806
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$73,000|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Social and community service managers

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,153
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$70,000|$80,390
openings
18,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.2%

Top executives

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$94,735
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$145,746|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%

Management analysts

1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$81,100
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$102,938|$101,860
openings
94,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.1%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
social sciences, general.Undergrad Certificate5Data N/A
social sciences, general.Associate's Degree107$24,868 - $58,928
social sciences, general.Bachelor's Degree239$20,952 - $103,229
social sciences, general.Master's Degree33$51,841 - $128,590
social sciences, general.Doctoral Degree4Data N/A
social sciences, general.Graduate Certificate12Data N/A