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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,432 | $35,981 | $45,831 | $26,000 | 0.72 | |
| $8,834 | $37,888 | $43,997 | $25,968 | 0.69 | |
| $10,020 | $36,452 | $43,554 | $26,000 | 0.71 | |
| $8,250 | $36,411 | $43,215 | $26,250 | 0.72 | |
| $58,554 | $36,222 | — | $27,000 | 0.75 | |
| $11,205 | $35,889 | $52,892 | $17,802 | 0.50 | |
| 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 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.