Social Sciencesat San Diego State University
Graduates earn $23,704/yr in their first year — about 39.0% below the national Social Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $409K; scenarios range from $401K to $399K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at San Diego State
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to San Diego State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Social Sciences
How San Diego State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at San Diego State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at San Diego State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Social Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Social Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Social Sciences at San Diego State
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.