Social Sciences, General at Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,954/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (318,400 openings/yr)
ROI 13.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #17 of 76 Social Sciences, General programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Sciences, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $513K $511K $481K
Earnings Multiple 13.1x 13.1x 12.3x
Probability of Field Employment 61% 54% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$39,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,724
-96% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,125
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,858
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $41,954 per year, Social Sciences, General graduates from Metropolitan State University earn slightly above the $38,652 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Social Sciences, General programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Social Sciences, General's typical career paths, with 45% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $16,125 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #17 of 76 nationally, this is a top-5% Social Sciences, General program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $41,954 to $50,858 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Metropolitan State University

With 96% of applicants admitted, Metropolitan State University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 4,998 in Saint Paul, MN. 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Metropolitan 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, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Metropolitan 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Social Sciences, General at Metropolitan State University?
A score of 58/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Social Sciences, General field.
Will AI replace Social Sciences, General careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $481,104 in decade earnings vs $512,873 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Metropolitan State University's Social Sciences, General program stand out?
Ranked #17 of 76 programs nationally, Metropolitan State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →