Analysis
Sacramento State's sociology graduates start at $37,000 but reach nearly $51,000 by year four—a 37% jump that outpaces the typical trajectory for this field. That kind of momentum matters when many sociology programs show flat or modest growth. The program ranks in the 73rd percentile nationally and 60th within California, performing solidly above state and national medians despite Sacramento State's 94% admission rate and large Pell grant population.
The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At $16,100, graduates carry roughly $9,000 less than the national average for sociology majors and are right at California's median. This translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43—manageable by any standard and particularly favorable given the strong earnings growth ahead. Even the first-year salary comfortably covers the modest debt load.
For families seeking affordable access to a liberal arts degree with practical upside, this program delivers. You're not getting Berkeley cachet (where grads start higher but cost more), but you are getting steady income growth and minimal debt burden. The combination of low cost, strong retention, and above-average earnings makes this one of the more sensible sociology options in California's public system.
Where California State University-Sacramento Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How California State University-Sacramento graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Sacramento | $37,040 | $50,786 | +37% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $30,401 | $67,872 | +123% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $40,774 | $64,119 | +57% |
| Santa Clara University | $53,612 | $62,009 | +16% |
| University of San Francisco | $36,183 | $61,096 | +69% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (64 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 California State University-SacramentoSacramento | $7,602 | $37,040 | $50,786 | $16,100 | 0.43 |
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $53,612 | $62,009 | — | — |
 National UniversitySan Diego | $13,320 | $46,505 | $45,370 | $28,125 | 0.60 |
 Ashford UniversitySan Diego | $13,160 | $43,202 | $37,947 | $39,041 | 0.90 |
 Occidental CollegeLos Angeles | $63,446 | $42,653 | $48,239 | $21,250 | 0.50 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $40,774 | $64,119 | $13,131 | 0.32 |
| National Median | — | $34,102 | — | $25,000 | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California State University-Sacramento, approximately 49% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 271 graduates with reported earnings and 257 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.