Social Sciences at Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Social Sciences, General
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,797/yr (-38% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (318,400 openings/yr)
ROI 4.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #76 of 76 Social Sciences, General programs

Program Analysis

A general Social Sciences degree from Charleston Southern offers a broad academic foundation, but without specific vocational training, you'll likely find yourself competing for entry-level roles that don't always require a specialized degree. This can lead to significantly lower earnings, as the Charleston job market, while growing, often prioritizes candidates with highly specific skills in fields like tech, healthcare, or advanced business, or those with direct experience from robust internship programs. The high AI risk for general social science roles further complicates the landscape, suggesting that many common tasks are susceptible to automation, increasing competition for available positions. Your initial career path might involve administrative support, non-profit roles, or further education. To improve your outlook, you'll need to proactively build a marketable skillset, perhaps through a strong minor, practical internships, or by planning for graduate school early to specialize your knowledge.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $501K $501K $473K
Earnings Multiple 4.0x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 61% 54% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$124,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,820
29% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,700
12.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,075
81% growth from Year 1

About Charleston Southern University

With 76% of applicants admitted, Charleston Southern University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,716 students in Charleston, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Charleston Southern University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Statisticians $103,300/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Social Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Charleston Southern University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Charleston Southern University's Social Sciences program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Social Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Charleston Southern University Social Sciences graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Social Sciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Social Sciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 45% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Social Sciences earnings lower at Charleston Southern University?
Lower starting pay at Charleston Southern University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →