Sociology at Shawnee State University

Shawnee State's sociology program carries $32,250 in typical debt—about $7,000 more than both state and national norms for this degree. Comparable sociology programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $36,500, which would put graduates roughly on par with peers statewide but behind schools like Miami University (where graduates earn $43,150) and UC ($42,500). By year four, the data shows earnings actually dip slightly to $35,800, suggesting this field doesn't reward early career momentum the way many bachelor's programs do.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88 means graduates would owe nearly a full year's salary, which is manageable but not comfortable—especially given that 35% of students here rely on Pell grants and may have less family safety net. The extra $7,000 in debt compared to peer programs matters when you're starting out at under $37,000. You'd need to weigh whether Shawnee State offers something specific—location, smaller classes, particular faculty—that justifies borrowing more for similar earnings outcomes. If your child could attend a state flagship or Miami with comparable aid, the numbers favor those options. If Shawnee State is the affordable local choice, this becomes viable only if they can minimize borrowing below that $32,000 median.