Social Sciences Studies at Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Social Sciences, Other
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,442/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #33 of 33 Social Sciences, Other programs

Program Analysis

The financial outcomes for Kalamazoo's 'Social Sciences, Other' program reflect the broad, interdisciplinary nature of the degree within a liberal arts framework. This isn't a pre-professional or highly specialized path; instead, it cultivates critical thinking and research skills applicable across various fields, but often requires you to build specific vocational expertise on the job or through further education. The regional labor market in Southwest Michigan offers opportunities in education, healthcare, and some manufacturing, but fewer immediate high-paying roles for general social science graduates without additional specialization. Many alumni find themselves in generalist roles in non-profits, education, or entry-level analytical positions, often needing to leverage transferable skills and build experience over time. Consider how you'll proactively build specific, in-demand skills or explore graduate school to refine your career trajectory and boost earning potential.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $556K $551K $518K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 57% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$235,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,492
68% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,821
10.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,863
79% growth from Year 1

About Kalamazoo College

With 76% of applicants admitted, Kalamazoo College prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,175 in Kalamazoo, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $75,492 — 68% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Kalamazoo College →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other $75,040/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Social Sciences Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kalamazoo College

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Social Sciences Studies at Kalamazoo College?
A score of 19/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Social Sciences Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Social Sciences Studies careers?
With 33% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $518,390 in decade earnings vs $556,456 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Social Sciences Studies from Kalamazoo College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Is Kalamazoo College a hidden gem for Social Sciences Studies?
After financial aid, the average student pays $75,492 over four years — 68% below the $235,056 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →