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Social Sciences, General at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $46,206/yr (20% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

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

ROI 8.6x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #13 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	$560K	$553K	$514K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.8x	8.6x	8.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.2x	3.2x	3.0x
Probability of Field Employment	61%	54%	43%
DegreeOutlook Score	60	59	58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$63,952

Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$83,004

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$28,090

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,882

25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $46,206 at Michigan State University come in 20% above the national median of $38,652 for Social Sciences, General programs.

A 8.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Sciences, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $28,090 against $46,206/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Michigan State University ranks #13 among 76 Social Sciences, General programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 25% earnings increase from $46,206 to $57,882 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan 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 Michigan State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences, General at Michigan State University?

At 59/100, Michigan State University's Social Sciences, General program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Social Sciences, General at Michigan 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 Michigan State University one of the best schools for Social Sciences, General?

Among 76 Social Sciences, General programs, Michigan State University's #13 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 →