Sociology at Franklin College

Franklin College's sociology graduates start at $37,759—a surprisingly strong showing that beats three-quarters of sociology programs nationally and puts them ahead of even Purdue's main campus. At $27,000 in debt, students are borrowing less than the national median for this major, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 that's quite manageable for a social science degree.

However, the small sample size here matters. With fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. What we're seeing might reflect a particularly successful cohort rather than a consistent outcome. Within Indiana, this program sits at the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional—and several state schools deliver comparable results with lower debt loads (median debt in Indiana is just $21,596).

For families committed to Franklin's small-college environment, these outcomes suggest the sociology program won't create crushing debt. But if cost is the primary concern, larger public universities in Indiana offer similar starting salaries with potentially lower tuition and debt. The key question is whether Franklin's personalized education and campus experience justify the $5,400 premium in borrowing over the state median—particularly when the earnings advantage over in-state alternatives is modest.