Sociology at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

New Mexico State's sociology program produces graduates earning less than the national average but leads the state among the limited options available. At $31,376 first-year and $34,431 four years out, graduates rank in just the 28th percentile nationally but the 60th percentile within New Mexico—though this reflects more about the state's constrained market than exceptional program performance. The debt burden of roughly $25,000 is manageable at 0.80 times first-year earnings, meaning graduates could feasibly pay it off in under a year if they dedicated their full salary to it.

The real question is whether any sociology bachelor's degree justifies its cost in New Mexico's economy. Even UNM's stronger sociology program only reaches $35,796, barely clearing the national median. Earnings do grow 10% over four years here, which is positive momentum, but you're still looking at mid-$30,000s income in your mid-to-late twenties. For a student committed to sociology and planning to stay in New Mexico, NMSU delivers adequate preparation at a reasonable price. The 76% admission rate and high Pell enrollment suggest the university serves students who might not have alternatives at more selective institutions.

If your child is passionate about sociology and has realistic expectations about nonprofit or social service sector salaries, this works. If they're undecided or viewing this as general career preparation, pushing them toward more directly marketable majors would likely yield better returns on the same debt investment.