Sociology at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

The small sample size here demands caution, but the flat earnings trajectory stands out immediately. FAMU sociology graduates earn roughly $31,000 both one year and four years after graduation—no movement whatsoever. While the debt load of $27,000 isn't crushing (0.87 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable), the lack of earnings growth means there's no expanding capacity to pay it down over time. For context, Florida's median for sociology graduates is $33,600, and programs at nearby FSU and University of Central Florida place graduates about $3,000-$4,000 higher annually.

This program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (56%), and the relatively low debt compared to peers is actually a strength—FAMU graduates carry about $4,000 less debt than the Florida median. But earning in the 26th percentile nationally and 40th in Florida means this program falls short of typical outcomes even within a modest-earning field. The bigger concern is what happens next: sociology majors typically need graduate school or substantial career pivoting to increase earnings, and starting from $31,000 with stagnant early-career growth makes that path harder.

Given the data uncertainty and the career realities for sociology majors, parents should verify these numbers represent their child's likely path. If accurate, this investment only makes sense if graduate school or a specific career pivot is already part of the plan.