Virginia · Social Sciences

Best Social Sciences institutions in Virginia, ranked by earnings

The Social Sciences program, also known as Social Sciences, General, focuses on the study of human behavior in its social and cultural contexts. This program is designed for students interested in exploring the complexities of society,…

Institutions
11
offering CIP 45.01
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
1,051
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$23,637
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
6
College Scorecard
Median net price
$21,981
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
46%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Social Science Research Assistants
$53,360
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 6 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Liberty University
Lynchburg Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$41,988365%$28,911$23,250
2Tidewater Community College
Norfolk Public · Associate degree
$29,42518232%$11,000
3Virginia Peninsula Community College
Hampton Public · Associate degree
$25,47815634%$10,500
4Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale Public · Associate degree
$23,63728433%$10,500
5Virginia Western Community College
Roanoke Public · Associate degree
$19,2206440%$9,128
6J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Richmond Public · Associate degree
$18,16429232%$12,500

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Social Science Research Assistants (SOC 19-4061).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+4.4%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~5,200
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$58,040
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingCritical ThinkingSpeakingScience

What Social Science Research Assistants earn in Virginia

Jobs in Virginia
510
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$53,360
median $50,160
Best-paying metro
$55,360
Charlottesville, VA

Related careers

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
$68,510 avg · 37,640 jobs
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$66,720 avg · 18,420 jobs
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
$146,370 avg · 4,390 jobs
Statisticians
$111,760 avg · 800 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Social Sciences programs in Virginia.

Which Social Sciences program in Virginia has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Liberty University tops the list at $41,988. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Social Science Research Assistants earn in Virginia?+

The average annual wage for Social Science Research Assistants in Virginia is $53,360 (median $50,160), across about 510 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Social Sciences program?+

The Social Sciences program, also known as Social Sciences, General, focuses on the study of human behavior in its social and cultural contexts. This program is designed for students interested in exploring the complexities of society,…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop reading comprehension, active listening, writing, critical thinking, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Social Science Research Assistants?+

The national job outlook is about +4.4% growth with around 5,200 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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