Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,981
65th percentile
60th percentile in Wisconsin
Median Debt
$26,000
4% above national median

Analysis

Saint Norbert's sociology program sits squarely in the middle of Wisconsin's offerings, matching the state median for earnings at nearly $36,000 while carrying virtually the same debt load as peer programs. At the 60th percentile statewide, it trails UW-Stevens Point and several UW system schools by a few thousand dollars annually, but beats roughly half the state's sociology programs—a solid, if unremarkable, position given the college's 92% admission rate and accessible price point.

The 27% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding professional traction, with fourth-year earnings reaching nearly $46,000. The $26,000 debt burden translates to monthly payments around $290 on a standard plan, which should be manageable on these income levels. However, it's worth noting the sample size here is small—fewer than 30 graduates—so individual outcomes could vary significantly from these medians.

For families considering Saint Norbert's sociology program, you're looking at a middle-of-the-pack investment within Wisconsin. The debt load is reasonable and the earnings trajectory moves in the right direction, but this isn't a program that will dramatically outperform state alternatives. If your student values Saint Norbert's small liberal arts environment and has realistic expectations about sociology career paths, the financial fundamentals work—just don't expect standout returns compared to larger public universities that may cost less upfront.

Where Saint Norbert College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Saint Norbert College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Saint Norbert College$35,981$45,831+27%
University of Wisconsin-Madison$35,889$52,892+47%
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse$33,529$44,586+33%
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point$37,888$43,997+16%
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee$36,452$43,554+19%

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (21 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Saint Norbert CollegeDe Pere$44,432$35,981$45,831$26,0000.72
University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointStevens Point$8,834$37,888$43,997$25,9680.69
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee$10,020$36,452$43,554$26,0000.71
University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater$8,250$36,411$43,215$26,2500.72
Beloit CollegeBeloit$58,554$36,222—$27,0000.75
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$35,889$52,892$17,8020.50
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 Saint Norbert College, approximately 14% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.