Analysis
At a small liberal arts college known for mentorship and research opportunities, sociology graduates here face a tough reality: starting salaries barely crack $32,000, well below both Ohio's state median ($36,500) and what students at nearby Miami University ($43,150) or UC ($42,500) earn. While the $27,000 debt load is actually lower than many programs, that first-year salary puts graduates at the 40th percentile statewide—meaning six out of ten Ohio sociology programs deliver better immediate outcomes.
The 19% earnings bump to $38,600 by year four offers some relief, bringing graduates closer to the pack. Still, that's roughly $4,500 less than the typical Ohio sociology graduate earns after four years. For a family paying private college tuition (even with aid), these numbers reveal a significant gap between Wooster's academic reputation and its sociology program's market performance.
The crucial caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary substantially. But if your student is set on sociology and cost-conscious, Ohio's public universities appear to offer stronger earning potential at lower debt levels. Wooster may excel in other measures—undergraduate research, graduate school placement—but the earnings data alone suggests this specific program underperforms its Ohio peers.
Where The College of Wooster Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The College of Wooster 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The College of Wooster | $32,462 | $38,624 | +19% |
| John Carroll University | $36,845 | $48,903 | +33% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $43,150 | $47,382 | +10% |
| Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus | $38,034 | $45,403 | +19% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $38,034 | $45,403 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (46 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The College of WoosterWooster | $59,550 | $32,462 | $38,624 | $27,000 | 0.83 |
 Miami University-OxfordOxford | $17,809 | $43,150 | $47,382 | $23,500 | 0.54 |
 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati | $13,570 | $42,507 | — | $24,250 | 0.57 |
 Ohio State University-Mansfield CampusMansfield | $9,212 | $38,034 | $45,403 | $21,739 | 0.57 |
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $38,034 | $45,403 | $21,739 | 0.57 |
 John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights | $49,100 | $36,845 | $48,903 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
| 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 The College of Wooster, approximately 20% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.