Sociology at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's sociology program starts behind but catches up fast—maybe too fast to dismiss. While that $32,787 first-year salary sits below both Texas and national medians, earnings jump 33% by year four to $43,452, which actually exceeds what graduates from UT Austin's sociology program earn at that same career stage. The program costs slightly less in debt than typical ($24,490 versus $25,000 statewide), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio even in that lower-earning first year.

Here's the reality check: This program ranks near the 40th percentile among Texas sociology programs, meaning six in ten comparable programs deliver stronger immediate outcomes. The gap with top state performers like UT Austin or Texas Woman's University is substantial at graduation—around $7,000 annually. For a student committed to sociology who qualifies for UTSA's accessible admission standards, the trajectory matters more than the starting point, but that first year or two after graduation will require careful budgeting.

The value here depends on patience and perspective. If your student can weather those early career years—perhaps with family support or minimal living expenses—the earnings growth suggests this degree opens legitimate professional pathways. But if they need immediate post-college income to service debt independently, those first 12-24 months could prove tight even with moderate borrowing.