Analysis
Similar sociology programs in Massachusetts suggest first-year earnings around $37,500—a figure that puts Curry roughly in line with the state median but well behind Bay State powerhouses like Boston College ($48,091) and Northeastern ($41,624). The reported four-year earnings of $52,507 show meaningful growth and actually exceed what many comparable programs achieve, which matters more than first-year figures for long-term return.
The estimated debt load of $27,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, lower than many liberal arts degrees carry. While we're working with estimates drawn from peer programs rather than Curry-specific outcomes, the broader pattern is reassuring: Massachusetts sociology graduates typically see steady earnings progression, and this debt level won't dominate monthly budgets the way six-figure loans would.
The practical consideration here is whether your child has clear post-graduation plans. Sociology opens doors to social services, HR, research, and graduate programs, but it rarely leads to structured career paths with predictable salaries. The four-year earnings suggest graduates find their footing, but that initial $37,500 requires either living modestly or having family support while building experience. If your student is self-directed and can articulate how they'll use this degree—whether through internships, graduate school, or specific job sectors—the economics work. If they're uncertain about next steps, that first year especially will feel tight.
Where Curry College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curry College | — | $52,507 | — |
| Boston College | $48,091 | $70,722 | +47% |
| College of the Holy Cross | $36,583 | $57,078 | +56% |
| Boston University | $38,457 | $55,876 | +45% |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $31,686 | $53,721 | +70% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $46,220 | $37,541* | $52,507 | $26,980* | — | |
| $67,680 | $48,091* | $70,722 | $19,000* | 0.40 | |
| $67,844 | $47,859* | — | $15,000* | 0.31 | |
| $64,946 | $45,287* | $50,018 | $27,000* | 0.60 | |
| $63,141 | $41,624* | $49,859 | $27,000* | 0.65 | |
| $64,142 | $40,675* | — | $21,000* | 0.52 | |
| 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 Curry College, approximately 28% 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 20 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.