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Social Sciences Studies at Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Social Sciences, Other
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,054/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #21 of 33 Social Sciences, Other programs

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 $465K $467K $448K
Earnings Multiple 2.1x 2.2x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 57% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$216,808
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$109,996
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $39,054/yr, edging above the $37,190 national average for Social Sciences Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 2.2x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Sciences Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,500 against $39,054/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #21 ranking among 33 Social Sciences Studies programs places Lake Forest College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Lake Forest College

With a 59% acceptance rate, Lake Forest College is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 1,782 students in Lake Forest, IL. The average net cost of $109,996 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Lake Forest 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

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) Boston University ($48,243) 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)

Other Majors at Lake Forest College

Finance and Financial Management Services ($61,264) Economics ($53,529) Computer Science ($48,587) Business/Commerce, General ($44,283) Communication and Media Studies ($42,835) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($35,622) Political Science and Government ($34,317) Biology, General ($33,380)

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 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences Studies at Lake Forest College?
At 35/100, 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 Lake Forest 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →