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Social Sciences at Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Social Sciences, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $44,773/yr (16% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (318,400 openings/yr)

ROI 22.2x earnings multiple (17.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #2 of 76 Social Sciences, General programs Top 5%

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	$600K	$589K	$543K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	22.6x	22.2x	20.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	17.5x	17.1x	15.8x
Probability of Field Employment	61%	54%	43%
DegreeOutlook Score	70	70	69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$26,552

Out-of-state: $34,392 (17.1x ROI)

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,312

4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$62,477

40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,773 at Thomas Edison State University come in 16% above the national median of $38,652 for Social Sciences programs.

With a 22.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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.

With first-year pay of $44,773 far exceeding the $15,312 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Thomas Edison State University ranks #2 among 76 Social Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 40% earnings increase from $44,773 to $62,477 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Thomas Edison State University

enrolling 6,685 students in Trenton, NJ.

See all programs and financial aid at Thomas Edison 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

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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

What does a 70/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences at Thomas Edison State University?

At 70/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Social Sciences at Thomas Edison 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 Thomas Edison State University one of the best schools for Social Sciences?

Among 76 Social Sciences programs, Thomas Edison State University's #2 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 →