Social Sciences, General at Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
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

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Sciences, General 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

Program Analysis

At $23,797 per year, Social Sciences, General graduates from Charleston Southern University earn below the $38,652 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 4.0x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 45% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,700 debt load exceeds a year of the $23,797 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #76 out of 76 programs, Charleston Southern University's financial outcomes for Social Sciences, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $23,797 to $43,075 over five years (81% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

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, General 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, General program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Social Sciences, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Charleston Southern University Social Sciences, General 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, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Social Sciences, General 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, General 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 →