College ROI

Smarter Choices, Brighter Futures
Back to Search
General

Miscellaneous Social Sciences

Share

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

Entry Level Salary
$44,026
Median Salary
$89,877
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
23.0%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,595,080
Entry (Early)
$44,026
Median (Prime)
$89,877
High (Prime)
$92,644

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
-59k
+325k
+348k
$25k / yr
-149k
+235k
+258k
$50k / yr
-239k
+145k
+168k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
26
26
$25k / yr
Never
31
30
$50k / yr
Never
38
36

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-137%
216%
237%
$50k / yr
-110%
67%
77%
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 Rate44.1%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Management occupations

5.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$21,437
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Lawyers, judges, and related workers

3.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$12,862
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,903|$155,120
openings
31,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.5%

Urban and regional planners

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$104,000|$89,320
openings
3,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.9%

Social and community service managers

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,616
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$91,091|$80,390
openings
18,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.2%

Accountants and auditors

2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$127,442
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$508,896|$83,680
openings
115,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%

Postsecondary teachers

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$8,110
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$85,747|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Management analysts

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$64,311
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$89,210|$101,860
openings
94,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.1%

Physicians

2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$162,500
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$250,000|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%

Elementary and middle school teachers

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$44,026
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$70,000|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Social workers, all other

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$30,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,873|$71,900
openings
5,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.3%

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
archeology.Bachelor's Degree37$38,243 - $42,939
archeology.Master's Degree11Data N/A
archeology.Doctoral Degree7Data N/A
urban studies/affairs.Associate's Degree1$46,051 - $46,051
urban studies/affairs.Bachelor's Degree82$48,387 - $81,123
urban studies/affairs.Master's Degree27$56,382 - $91,085
urban studies/affairs.Doctoral Degree9Data N/A