Sociology at Georgia State University

Georgia State's sociology program leaves graduates with higher debt than most peers while generating below-average earnings—a combination that deserves careful scrutiny. Starting at $28,968, first-year earnings land in just the 15th percentile nationally and trail other Georgia programs like Kennesaw State ($36,212) and Columbus State ($34,899) by over $6,000 annually. The $31,000 debt load hits harder than 95% of sociology programs nationwide, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio above 1.0 that means graduates owe more than they earn in their first year.

There is meaningful earnings growth—a 37% jump to nearly $40,000 by year four—which helps close the gap. But even this improved trajectory leaves Georgia State grads earning just at Georgia's state median. Given that half of students here qualify for Pell grants, that debt burden represents a real financial stretch for families who can least afford it.

If your child is set on sociology, they'd enter Georgia State paying more for less: both higher debt and weaker outcomes than most alternatives in the state. Unless there are compelling reasons to choose this program specifically—location, specific faculty, or Atlanta connections—pursuing sociology at schools with stronger earnings outcomes or lower debt would make better financial sense.