Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,984
95th percentile
60th percentile in Minnesota
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median

Analysis

Minnesota State University Moorhead's sociology program ranks near the very top nationally—95th percentile—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates in the data) means these figures could shift significantly with more data points. Still, the pattern is worth examining: graduates start at $42,984 and reach $49,414 by year four, both well above the national median of $34,102 but hovering around the middle of Minnesota's sociology programs.

The debt picture looks solid at $27,000, matching the state median and sitting comfortably below the national median. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, graduates owe about 7.5 months of their first-year salary—manageable territory that allows breathing room early in their careers. The 15% earnings growth trajectory also suggests graduates gain traction in the job market rather than plateauing immediately.

Given the small cohort, these numbers might reflect a few particularly successful graduates rather than a consistent pattern. That said, if you're already drawn to Moorhead for other reasons (location, fit, cost), the sociology program appears competitive within Minnesota and won't saddle your child with problematic debt. Just understand you're looking at a snapshot with limited statistical confidence rather than a proven track record across dozens of graduating classes.

Where Minnesota State University Moorhead Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Minnesota State University Moorhead$42,984$49,414+15%
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities$38,972$50,586+30%
Hamline University$33,894$43,450+28%
Winona State University$43,505$41,763-4%
Minnesota State University-Mankato$42,108$40,199-5%

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (22 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead$10,336$42,984$49,414$27,0000.63
Winona State UniversityWinona$10,498$43,505$41,763$21,6870.50
Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato$9,490$42,108$40,199$27,0000.64
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis$16,488$38,972$50,586$20,3770.52
Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis$43,942$34,543—$27,0000.78
Hamline UniversitySaint Paul$48,311$33,894$43,450$27,0000.80
National Median—$34,102—$25,0000.73

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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 Minnesota State University Moorhead, approximately 27% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.