Analysis
Similar sociology programs in Kansas suggest first-year earnings around $38,075—slightly above the national median for this field but landing squarely in the middle of the state's range. That puts Friends University's estimated outcomes on par with Fort Hays State but well below what Kansas State and KU graduates typically earn. The estimated $26,000 debt load is close to both state and national norms for sociology degrees.
The 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment if graduates find steady employment immediately, though sociology majors often need additional credentials or time to reach stable career earnings. Comparable programs show significant variation in outcomes—from nearly $43,000 at the state's flagship universities down to about $29,000 at others—which reflects how heavily post-graduation job placement matters in this field. The wide spread among Kansas schools highlights that individual circumstances and career direction will likely matter more than the degree itself.
For parents evaluating this investment, recognize you're working with peer program estimates rather than Friends University's actual graduate outcomes. The middle-of-the-pack projections suggest neither exceptional opportunity nor obvious red flags, but sociology's typical career paths—social services, nonprofit work, research—often require patience to build earning power. If your student plans graduate school or views this as preparation for a specific career, factor those additional costs and timeline into your calculation.
Where Friends University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,748 | $38,075* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $10,942 | $42,985* | $40,827 | $25,946* | 0.60 | |
| $11,700 | $42,703* | $52,185 | $23,001* | 0.54 | |
| $5,633 | $38,075* | $42,654 | $33,482* | 0.88 | |
| $9,322 | $35,236* | $34,049 | $30,500* | 0.87 | |
| $7,356 | $29,313* | $32,383 | $27,000* | 0.92 | |
| 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 Friends University, approximately 34% 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 5 similar programs in KS. Actual outcomes may vary.