Sociology at The College of Wooster

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.