Sociology at Harris-Stowe State University

With a small graduating class producing limited data, Harris-Stowe's sociology program shows first-year earnings of $28,268—roughly $6,700 below Missouri's median for sociology graduates and $6,000 below the national average. That 25th percentile ranking among Missouri programs means three-quarters of the state's sociology programs are delivering better initial earnings outcomes. The debt load of $25,750 is close to typical for sociology degrees, but when paired with below-average earnings, it translates to a higher-than-ideal debt burden in those critical first years after graduation.

The institution serves a predominantly low-income student population (73% receive Pell grants), which adds important context but doesn't change the economic reality: graduates here are starting $8,500 behind peers from nearby University of Missouri-St. Louis and nearly $9,500 behind those from Columbia College. For families weighing this investment, the question becomes whether the accessibility and support Harris-Stowe provides outweighs the earnings gap, especially since sociology typically requires graduate education for higher-paying career paths.

Given the small sample size, these numbers might not reflect typical outcomes, but they're the best available data. If your student is set on sociology at Harris-Stowe, they should have concrete plans for either minimizing debt or pursuing graduate education to improve their earnings trajectory—this particular combination of starting salary and debt doesn't offer much cushion for financial missteps.