Social Sciences, General at Northern Virginia Community College
serving a student body of 31,737 in Annandale, VA.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $23,637/yr, roughly in line with the $26,524 national median for Social Sciences, General. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 33.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI exposure is significant at 45% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.
With first-year pay of $23,637 far exceeding the $9,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #18 out of 21 programs, Northern Virginia Community College's financial outcomes for Social Sciences, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $23,637 to $48,149 over five years (104% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.
One registered apprenticeship pathway (Health Information Management Privacy And Security Officer with a median wage of $136,550/yr) connects to Social Sciences, General careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Social Sciences, General graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, all other | $136,550 | +4.5% | 53% |
| Statisticians | $103,300 | +8.5% | 34% |
| Sociologists | $101,690 | +3.6% | 46% |
About Social Sciences, General Careers
Your understanding of human behavior can lead directly into management. In this common path, you’ll spend your days in an office leading project teams, using software like Asana to track progress, and analyzing performance data to solve operational problems. Alternatively, you might pursue a career in education, where you’ll be in a classroom guiding students through a history lesson, creating lesson plans, and using platforms like Canvas to communicate with students and parents.
Compare & Explore
Social Sciences, General Overview
Social Sciences, General at Other Schools
Other Majors at Northern Virginia Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.