WhatGradsMake
Doctoral (Research)-1% vs national median284 grads tracked

Social Sciences at Arizona State University

Ranked 29th of 61 doctoral (research) programs in Social Sciences by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$73,904
middle 50%: $57,652 – $98,712
Median · 5 years out
$91,385
middle 50%: $75,035 – $120,433
Median · 10 years out
$103,751
middle 50%: $81,106 – $131,803

Salary trajectory

Median earnings vs the national median for Social Sciences (doctoral (research)) graduates.

This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates

Research doctorate holders in Social Sciences at Arizona State University start with a median salary of $74k. Median earnings reach $104k by the tenth year.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.

Will the degree pay for itself?

Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.

Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).

Paid off in
4.3 yrs
≈ $4,596 total interest

Same major at other universities

Other majors at Arizona State University

Related fields of study