Social Sciences at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Social Sciences, General
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,704/yr (-39% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (318,400 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #70 of 76 Social Sciences, General programs

Program Analysis

Your data reveals that a general Social Sciences degree from SDSU often leads to early-career earnings significantly below the national average for this field. This isn't necessarily a reflection of the quality of your education, but rather the broad nature of the degree in a competitive regional labor market. Many graduates find initial roles in non-profits, education support, or administrative positions, which are vital but often don't command high salaries in San Diego's high cost-of-living environment. The listed high-paying career paths often require further specialization, advanced degrees, or specific technical skills developed *after* your bachelor's. To maximize your earning potential, actively pursue internships or minors in high-demand areas like data analysis or specific policy fields to build a more direct bridge to specialized careers.

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 $399K $409K $401K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.0x 12.3x 12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 5.1x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 61% 54% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,696
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,081
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,866
34% growth from Year 1

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University admits 34% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 33,654 students enrolled in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at San Diego State 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 San Diego State University's Social Sciences program score?
This program scores 33/100 — on the lower end for Social Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Social Sciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Social Sciences 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 earnings lower at San Diego State University?
Lower starting pay at San Diego State 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 →