Sociology at Augusta University

Augusta University's sociology program sits right in the middle of Georgia's offerings—40th percentile statewide—but trails the national median by about $5,200 in first-year earnings. Starting at just under $29,000, graduates earn less than those from most other Georgia sociology programs, including nearby competitors like Georgia Southern ($34,627) and UGA ($32,530). However, the debt load of $27,848 is actually below the state median, and that sub-1.0 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than their first year's salary—a better position than many sociology programs nationwide.

The 19% earnings growth over four years shows some upward trajectory, moving graduates to $34,222 by year four. That catches them up to the national median, though Georgia's stronger sociology programs still maintain their lead. For an open-admission university serving a significant population of Pell grant recipients, this represents accessible education with manageable debt. The real question is whether earning $28,860 in year one—about $14/hour—justifies the degree investment.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes these numbers less reliable than data from larger programs. For families considering sociology at Augusta, the debt picture is reasonable, but the earning potential lags behind what's available at other Georgia schools charging similar tuition. If your student is committed to sociology and Augusta for location or admission ease, the financial risk is contained—just understand they'll start behind their peers at larger state universities.