Sociology at Idaho State University

Idaho State's sociology program produces concerning outcomes that fall well below both national and state standards, though the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Graduates earn just $27,854 in their first year, landing in the bottom 5% of sociology programs nationwide. Even within Idaho, where sociology earnings are already modest, this program sits at the 40th percentile, trailing the University of Idaho and BYU-Idaho by roughly $3,500-$4,000 annually.

The debt picture compounds the problem. At nearly $30,000, graduates carry more debt than 95% of sociology programs nationally and significantly more than Idaho's state median of $24,604. With earnings barely exceeding debt in that critical first year, many graduates will struggle with loan payments while building their careers. While earnings do improve 12% by year four, that still leaves them at just $31,282—enough for slow progress but not enough to offset the initial burden comfortably.

For families considering this path, the limited sample size is both a caution and a potential concern itself—it may indicate low program completion or reflect inconsistent outcomes. If your student is set on sociology at a public Idaho institution, the University of Idaho offers meaningfully better earnings with comparable debt loads. Given these numbers, this program requires either external financial support to minimize borrowing or a clear plan for graduate school that would justify the undergraduate investment.