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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,336 | $42,984 | $49,414 | $27,000 | 0.63 | |
| $10,498 | $43,505 | $41,763 | $21,687 | 0.50 | |
| $9,490 | $42,108 | $40,199 | $27,000 | 0.64 | |
| $16,488 | $38,972 | $50,586 | $20,377 | 0.52 | |
| $43,942 | $34,543 | — | $27,000 | 0.78 | |
| $48,311 | $33,894 | $43,450 | $27,000 | 0.80 | |
| 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 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.