Sociology at Saint Norbert College
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Saint Norbert College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Saint Norbert College graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 65th percentile of all sociology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Norbert College | $35,981 | $45,831 | $26,000 | 0.72 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | $37,888 | $43,997 | $25,968 | 0.69 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $36,452 | $43,554 | $26,000 | 0.71 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $36,411 | $43,215 | $26,250 | 0.72 |
| Beloit College | $36,222 | — | $27,000 | 0.75 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $35,889 | $52,892 | $17,802 | 0.50 |
| National Median | $34,102 | — | $25,000 | 0.73 |
Other Sociology Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point | $8,834 | $37,888 | $25,968 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee | $10,020 | $36,452 | $26,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater | $8,250 | $36,411 | $26,250 |
| Beloit College Beloit | $58,554 | $36,222 | $27,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | $11,205 | $35,889 | $17,802 |
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.