Sociology at Keene State College

Keene State's sociology program delivers earnings that outpace the national average but lag behind what other New Hampshire colleges achieve. With first-year earnings of $36,581, graduates earn more than typical sociology majors nationwide (70th percentile), yet trail the state median of $42,048 by about $5,500. Among New Hampshire's seven sociology programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile—essentially middle-of-the-pack for in-state options.

The debt load of $26,000 is manageable, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71, and the encouraging part is that earnings grow 23% by year four to reach $45,000. This trajectory suggests the degree provides a foundation for career advancement, even if it starts modestly. For context, nearby UNH graduates begin at $42,048, while Dartmouth sociology majors start at $64,377, highlighting a significant earnings gap within the state.

For New Hampshire families, this creates a straightforward calculation: Keene State offers accessible admission (89% acceptance rate) and sociology outcomes that meet or exceed national standards, but your student will likely earn less initially than peers at other state schools. If Keene State's cost advantage is substantial compared to UNH or private alternatives, the moderate debt and steady earnings growth make this workable. If costs are similar, the higher-earning programs might justify their price.