Sociology at The University of Montana

The University of Montana's sociology program outperforms 86% of similar programs nationally—a strong showing that places graduates well above the typical sociology major who earns around $34,000 in their first year. Starting at $39,160 and climbing to $42,714 by year four, these graduates see steady income growth. Within Montana, the program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, meaning it's competitive with state alternatives while keeping debt reasonable at $24,650.

The 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, especially given the steady upward trajectory. For context, graduates are borrowing less than seven months of their first-year salary—a ratio that becomes more favorable as earnings grow. Montana State's comparable program actually shows slightly lower starting earnings despite similar debt levels, suggesting UM provides solid value for in-state students.

The real question is whether sociology aligns with your child's career goals at this income level. If they're considering graduate school or fields where a sociology degree serves as a foundation, this program delivers strong preparation without crushing debt. The moderate sample size means these numbers are reliable, and the consistent earnings growth suggests graduates are finding stable career paths rather than just entry-level positions.