Sociology at Clayton State University

A small sample size makes these numbers less reliable, but the pattern here deserves attention: Clayton State sociology graduates start nearly $5,000 below Georgia's median for the field, earning just $29,834 while carrying $40,687 in debt—one of the highest debt loads nationally for sociology programs. That's roughly 40% more debt than the typical sociology graduate in Georgia takes on. Other state schools like Kennesaw State and Columbus State place their sociology graduates into positions earning $34,000-$36,000 with lower debt burdens.

The program serves a predominantly working-class student body (52% receive Pell grants), which makes the debt picture especially problematic. While Clayton State sits near Georgia's middle for sociology earnings (40th percentile), that's not reassuring when the state's own outcomes lag behind national standards. At a 1.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates would need to dedicate over a year's gross income just to pay off their student loans.

Unless your child has compelling reasons to attend Clayton State specifically—location, family circumstances, or a particular faculty mentor—Georgia offers stronger options for sociology degrees. Even mid-tier state schools are placing graduates $4,000-$6,000 ahead annually with manageable debt. Given the financial strain this program creates at graduation, exploring alternatives within Georgia's university system makes sense.