Sociology at The University of Tampa

The University of Tampa's sociology program sits right in the middle of Florida's options—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—but with a crucial caveat: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, making them less reliable than data from larger programs. Starting at $33,872, graduates earn slightly less than the national median but track closely with Florida's typical outcomes. The $23,000 debt load is actually lighter than both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68.

What stands out is the gap between this program and top Florida alternatives. Saint Leo University graduates earn $5,600 more their first year with similar debt, while University of North Florida and UCF graduates also see notably higher starting salaries. At a selective private university where only 16% of students receive Pell grants, families should weigh whether Tampa's campus experience justifies outcomes that larger public universities match or exceed.

The small sample size matters here—a few graduates' outcomes can swing these numbers significantly in either direction. If your student is set on Tampa for other reasons, this program won't bury them in debt. But if sociology is the priority and you're comparing Florida options purely on post-graduation outcomes, the public universities appear to offer better value, especially for a field where graduate school is often necessary for career advancement.