Social Sciences Studies at Russell Sage College

Troy, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Social Sciences, Other
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,436/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 4.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #32 of 33 Social Sciences, Other programs

Program Analysis

A "Social Sciences, Other" degree, while offering a broad intellectual foundation, typically doesn't lead to a direct career pipeline from Russell Sage. The generalist nature means you'll often enter a competitive job market in the Capital Region, which primarily values specialized skills for higher-paying roles in government, education, or non-profits. Many graduates from this type of program find themselves in administrative or support positions, building experience before transitioning to management or specialized social science roles, which often require advanced degrees or specific certifications. The high AI risk further suggests that generic analytical or communication tasks are becoming increasingly automated, making it crucial to develop highly specific, in-demand technical or interpersonal skills. Therefore, if you pursue this path, you must proactively seek out internships and skill-building opportunities in areas like data analysis, grant writing, or program coordination to truly stand out.

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 $626K $616K $572K
Earnings Multiple 4.3x 4.2x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 57% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$147,024
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$92,108
37% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,727
107% growth from Year 1

About Russell Sage College

Russell Sage College accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 1,075 students in Troy, NY. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. After financial aid, the average student pays $92,108 over four years — 37% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Russell Sage 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 Russell Sage College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences Studies at Russell Sage College?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Sciences Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Social Sciences Studies at Russell Sage College?
The 33% 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 Russell Sage College a good choice for Social Sciences Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Russell Sage College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →