Sociology at Beloit College

A sociology degree from Beloit College outperforms most Wisconsin programs despite modest starting salaries. With first-year earnings of $36,222, graduates land at the 60th percentile among Wisconsin sociology programs—meaning they're earning more than the state median right out of the gate. The $27,000 in typical debt sits well below both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75. That's notably better than many liberal arts programs where debt often exceeds first-year income.

The tradeoff is straightforward: You're paying for a small, selective liberal arts experience (admission rate 57%, average SAT 1318) while getting outcomes that beat 67% of sociology programs nationwide. Beloit graduates earn more than those from UW-Madison's significantly larger program, though they trail Stevens Point and Milwaukee by modest amounts. For a private college, keeping debt $2,000 below the state median is noteworthy.

One caveat matters: the sample size here is small—under 30 graduates—so individual circumstances could swing these numbers considerably. But the pattern is consistent across both earnings and debt metrics. For parents concerned about liberal arts ROI, this program demonstrates you can get the personalized Beloit experience without the debt burden that often accompanies private colleges. The sociology degree pays for itself within a reasonable timeframe, particularly if your student values small class sizes and close faculty mentorship.