Sociology at Emporia State University

Emporia State's sociology program produces first-year earnings of $29,313—landing in the bottom quartile both nationally and within Kansas. While the state's flagship schools (KU and K-State) see their sociology graduates earning above $42,000, Emporia State trails by roughly $10,000. Even Fort Hays State, another regional institution, shows significantly stronger outcomes at $38,075. The debt load of $27,000 isn't excessive by itself, but paired with these earnings, graduates face a debt-to-income ratio that will require careful budgeting in those early career years.

The earnings trajectory offers modest encouragement—11% growth to $32,383 by year four suggests graduates find their footing, though they're still playing catch-up. However, these figures come from a small sample (fewer than 30 graduates), which means they could swing significantly in either direction with just a few outliers. At a school with a 98% admission rate serving many first-generation college students (34% receive Pell grants), outcomes likely vary widely based on individual career paths and connections made during college.

For families considering this program, the numbers point to a challenging financial start relative to other Kansas options. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend Emporia State—scholarships that significantly reduce that $27,000 debt, proximity to home, or specific faculty connections—Kansas families would find better value at the state's larger universities, where sociology graduates command $10,000+ more in the job market.