Social Sciences at Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Social Sciences, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings
$46,206/yr (20% vs median)
AI Risk
High (45% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (318,400 openings/yr)
ROI
8.6x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)
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 | $560K | $553K | $514K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.8x | 8.6x | 8.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.2x | 3.2x | 3.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 61% | 54% | 43% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 60 | 59 | 58 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,090
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,882
25% growth from Year 1
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State University →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Statisticians
$103,300/yr
Sociologists
$101,690/yr
Compare & Explore
Social Sciences at Other Schools
Other Majors at Michigan State University
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 does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences at Michigan State University?
At 59/100, Michigan State 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 Michigan State 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 Michigan State University one of the best schools for Social Sciences?
Among 76 Social Sciences programs, Michigan State University's #13 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 →