Analysis
Oklahoma State's sociology program delivers below-average outcomes both nationally and within Oklahoma. First-year earnings of $33,365 trail the state median by $2,500 and fall into the 40th percentile among Oklahoma sociology programs—meaning six out of ten comparable programs in the state produce better results. While the debt load of $24,751 isn't catastrophic, it still represents nine months of starting salary, and that's a meaningful burden when peers at University of Central Oklahoma are earning $4,000 more annually right out of the gate.
The 19% earnings growth to $39,574 by year four provides some reassurance that graduates aren't stuck in entry-level positions. However, even after four years, these earnings remain modest for a bachelor's degree holder. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 is manageable but offers little margin for error—graduates will need disciplined budgeting to handle loan payments comfortably while building a financial foundation.
For Oklahoma families, this program represents a middle-of-the-road investment at best. If your child is committed to sociology, OU-Norman offers similar outcomes at comparable debt levels and may provide stronger networking opportunities. If career earnings are a primary concern, consider whether this path aligns with realistic post-graduation plans, as sociology degrees typically require graduate school or strategic internship experience to unlock stronger earning potential.
Where Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Oklahoma State University-Main Campus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $33,365 | $39,574 | +19% |
| Dartmouth College | $64,377 | $71,802 | +12% |
| University of Notre Dame | $35,915 | $71,102 | +98% |
| University of Central Oklahoma | $37,727 | $44,557 | +18% |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $35,917 | $41,962 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,234 | $33,365 | $39,574 | $24,751 | 0.74 | |
| $8,522 | $37,727 | $44,557 | $28,000 | 0.74 | |
| $9,595 | $35,917 | $41,962 | $24,172 | 0.67 | |
| 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 Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, approximately 26% 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 53 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.