Home › Mercer University › Social Sciences

Social Sciences at Mercer University

Macon, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Social Sciences, General
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
57
Optimistic
56
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $61,612/yr (59% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (318,400 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #18 of 76 Social Sciences, General programs Top 25%

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 $622K $609K $558K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.7x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 61% 54% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 56 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$163,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$89,400
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$34,800
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates of Mercer University's Social Sciences program earn $61,612/yr in their first year — 59% above the $38,652 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 3.7x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $34,800 against $61,612/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Mercer University ranks #18 among 76 Social Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About Mercer University

With a 66% acceptance rate, Mercer University is moderately selective, a smaller institution with 4,620 students in Macon, GA. The average net cost of $89,400 over four years represents a 45% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Mercer 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

Compare this program → View all 76 schools offering Social Sciences →

Social Sciences at Other Schools

Vanderbilt University ($61,389) University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($57,538) Harvard University ($56,540) Upper Iowa University ($56,221) Campbell University ($50,653) University of Maryland Global Campus ($50,557) New York University ($49,016) The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ($47,248)

Other Majors at Mercer University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($76,787) Engineering, General ($72,403) Business/Commerce, General ($52,819) Finance and Financial Management Services ($47,956) Human Resources Management and Services ($47,538) Marketing ($44,203) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($39,715) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($37,319)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Social Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences at Mercer University?
At 56/100, Mercer University's Social Sciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Social Sciences at Mercer University?
The 45% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Mercer University one of the best schools for Social Sciences?
Among 76 Social Sciences programs, Mercer University's #18 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →