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Social Sciences Studies at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Social Sciences, Other
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,243/yr (30% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #10 of 33 Social Sciences, Other programs Top 50%

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 $727K $708K $650K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 57% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,672
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,984
59% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,557
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $48,243 put Boston University's Social Sciences Studies program 30% above the national median of $37,190 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 2.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Sciences Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #10 ranking among 33 Social Sciences Studies programs places Boston University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $48,243-to-$77,557 earnings arc over five years reflects a 61% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Boston University

Boston University's 11% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, enrolling 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston University →

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

Compare this program → View all 33 schools offering Social Sciences Studies →

Social Sciences Studies at Other Schools

University of California-Berkeley ($61,109) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($54,265) Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($51,753) Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus ($45,509) University of California-Davis ($45,178) Millersville University of Pennsylvania ($42,844) Eastern Oregon University ($42,347) Benedictine University ($42,023)

Other Majors at Boston University

Computer Engineering ($93,995) Computer Science ($90,050) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,528) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($77,660) Mechanical Engineering ($76,337) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($71,545) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($69,209) Mathematics ($64,604)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Social Sciences Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences Studies at Boston University?
At 47/100, 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 Boston University?
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.
What do students actually pay for Social Sciences Studies at Boston University?
The 59% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $260,672. At a net cost of $107,984, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →