Sociology at California State University-Los Angeles

This sociology program at Cal State LA delivers exceptional value through remarkably low student debt, though earnings lag slightly behind other California programs. With a median debt of just $12,500—half the national average and 24% below the California median—graduates avoid the crushing debt burden that plagues many sociology programs nationwide. This debt level ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with higher debt.

The earnings picture is more nuanced. While first-year earnings of $34,092 hit the national average exactly, they fall in the 40th percentile among California sociology programs, trailing the state median by about $600. However, the program shows strong earning momentum, with 35% growth to $45,937 by year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 is excellent—graduates earn nearly three times their debt amount in their first year alone.

For families concerned about college affordability, this program offers a compelling proposition: sociology training from a respected Cal State campus with minimal financial burden. While graduates won't immediately match earnings from elite private schools like Santa Clara ($53,612), the low debt load provides financial flexibility that higher-earning but debt-heavy programs can't match. Given that 66% of students receive Pell grants, this accessibility makes it particularly valuable for middle and lower-income families seeking a practical path to a sociology degree.