Program Analysis
Graduates earn $35,399/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.2x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Sociology's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $24,449 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,399 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #132 of 414 Sociology programs, Western Michigan University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $58,151 show a 64% jump from the $35,399 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.