Analysis
Starting salary of $32,740 puts Indiana University-Kokomo's sociology program slightly below both the state and national medians—roughly $1,400 less than what typical Indiana sociology graduates earn. Within the state, this program sits at the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten Indiana sociology programs deliver better early earnings. The debt load of $20,993 is actually favorable compared to the national benchmark, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64, but it's worth noting that debt here is higher than at some stronger-earning Indiana programs.
The challenge is that these numbers come from a very small graduating class (under 30 students), which makes it difficult to know if they're truly representative. One unusually high or low earner can significantly skew the median when samples are this small. Regional employment opportunities in the Kokomo area may also play a role in these outcomes, as local job markets matter considerably for liberal arts graduates.
For families looking at sociology programs in Indiana, this data suggests IU-Kokomo isn't breaking out from the pack despite its reasonable debt levels. The gap to top performers is substantial—University of Southern Indiana graduates earn $7,500 more right out of the gate. If your student is set on IU-Kokomo for location or cost reasons, it's serviceable, but if they have flexibility, exploring higher-earning programs within the state could mean meaningfully better financial footing after graduation.
Where Indiana University-Kokomo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Indiana University-Kokomo graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,179 | $32,740 | — | $20,993 | 0.64 | |
| $10,136 | $40,255 | $43,406 | — | — | |
| $37,350 | $37,759 | — | $27,000 | 0.72 | |
| $9,992 | $36,826 | $44,808 | $20,500 | 0.56 | |
| $62,693 | $35,915 | $71,102 | $19,800 | 0.55 | |
| $8,419 | $35,334 | $43,549 | $24,500 | 0.69 | |
| 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 Indiana University-Kokomo, approximately 35% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.