Analysis
Capital University's sociology program shows earnings that progress meaningfully over time, with graduates moving from an estimated $36,506 in year one to $51,861 by year four. That trajectory—40% growth in four years—suggests the degree opens doors to better positions as alumni gain experience, a pattern worth noting since many liberal arts fields see slower advancement in the early career phase.
The estimated $27,469 in debt sits just above what's typical for Ohio sociology programs, but the 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory. Based on comparable programs in Ohio, this debt load would take discipline to pay down on that first-year salary, but the stronger fourth-year earnings provide breathing room. What matters here is that Capital's outcomes appear consistent with state norms—programs across Ohio cluster around these figures—while offering notably better mid-career results than the national median of $34,102.
The real question is whether your child can leverage Capital's Columbus location and smaller campus environment to build the internship experience and professional network that turns a sociology degree into career momentum. The earnings data from peer programs suggests this credential can work financially, but only if students actively pursue applied opportunities during college that translate academic knowledge into marketable skills.
Where Capital University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital University | — | $51,861 | — |
| John Carroll University | $36,845 | $48,903 | +33% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $43,150 | $47,382 | +10% |
| Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus | $38,034 | $45,403 | +19% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $38,034 | $45,403 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (46 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,788 | $36,506* | $51,861 | $27,469* | — | |
| $17,809 | $43,150* | $47,382 | $23,500* | 0.54 | |
| $13,570 | $42,507* | — | $24,250* | 0.57 | |
| $9,212 | $38,034* | $45,403 | $21,739* | 0.57 | |
| $12,859 | $38,034* | $45,403 | $21,739* | 0.57 | |
| $49,100 | $36,845* | $48,903 | $27,000* | 0.73 | |
| 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 Capital University, approximately 31% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 16 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.