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Social Sciences
Overview
Social science degrees tend to offer moderate starting salaries that generally fall between those of humanities and technical fields. Graduates in areas such as sociology and political science typically start in the low- to mid-$50,000s, while psychology and economics majors often see slightly higher entry-level pay, with economics leading the group at around $64,000. These differences reflect the diverse career paths available within the social sciences — from research and policy work to business and consulting — and how demand for quantitative or analytical skills can boost earning potential. While not among the highest-paying fields at the start, social science majors provide a balance of versatile skills and broad career flexibility, making them a solid foundation for growth over time.
ROI
Social science degrees generally offer a moderate return on investment, sitting between the high financial payoff of technical fields and the slower returns typical of the humanities. With starting salaries ranging from the low $50,000s to mid-$60,000s, many graduates face a payback period of around 7 to 10 years before fully covering the cost of their education. Mid-career earnings often rise into the $80,000 to $100,000 range, and those who pursue advanced degrees or specialized roles — particularly in economics, data analysis, or policy — can exceed $120,000. While the ROI is not as dramatic as in engineering or computer science, the social sciences provide strong adaptability and access to a wide range of career paths. However, maximizing financial return often depends on pairing the degree with graduate study, quantitative skills, or experience in high-demand sectors.
Schooling
For social science majors, the choice of school can meaningfully influence early career outcomes. Graduating from a prestigious or well-connected institution often provides stronger access to internships, research opportunities, and networks in fields like government, consulting, or policy — all of which can lead to higher starting salaries and faster career growth. This is especially true in competitive areas such as economics or international relations, where employer pipelines are often concentrated around top programs. However, since many social science salaries grow gradually and can plateau without advanced degrees, paying significantly more for a prestigious school isn’t always justified purely on financial grounds. In many cases, selecting a more affordable institution and focusing on developing specialized skills, gaining experience, and building connections can deliver similar long-term outcomes with less debt.