Sociology at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UTK's sociology program combines below-average debt with above-average earnings that grow impressively over time. Starting at $35,723, graduates see their pay climb 27% to $45,182 within four years—meaningful momentum in a field where early-career salaries often stagnate. The $20,013 debt load sits well below both national and state medians (around $25,000), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56.

Among Tennessee's sociology programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings, trailing only Tennessee Tech by a small margin while coming in thousands ahead of smaller private options like Lee University. Nationally, it performs in the 63rd percentile—respectable for a major that doesn't promise high starting salaries. The combination of lower-than-average debt and better-than-average earnings growth suggests graduates are finding paths to mid-level professional roles after gaining some experience.

The key tradeoff: you're accepting a modest first-year salary in exchange for steady progression and minimal debt burden. For a student genuinely interested in sociology who plans to pursue graduate school or work their way into nonprofit management, policy, or corporate HR roles, this program delivers solid value. The lower debt particularly matters if graduate school is in the cards.