Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,566
46th percentile (60th in AR)
Median Debt
$24,225
3% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.72
Manageable
Sample Size
55
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Arkansas sociology graduates start modestly but show impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 31% to $44,028 by year four—a trajectory that outpaces many liberal arts majors. While the initial $33,566 salary sits slightly below the national average for sociology programs, it ranks in the 60th percentile among Arkansas schools, meaning your child would likely earn more here than at six out of ten in-state alternatives.

The $24,225 debt load is actually lower than both state and national medians for this degree, creating a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio that many families could handle comfortably. This combination of below-average debt and above-state-average earnings positions U of A as the sensible Arkansas option for sociology—particularly compared to programs like University of Central Arkansas where graduates earn $2,000 less annually with similar debt burdens.

The real question is whether sociology itself fits your child's career plans. The moderate sample size suggests this isn't a massive program, but the strong four-year earnings growth indicates graduates are finding their footing in the job market. For a student committed to sociology who wants to stay in Arkansas, this represents solid value: better outcomes than most state competitors, reasonable debt, and clear income progression after graduation.

Where University of Arkansas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally

University of ArkansasOther sociology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Arkansas graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Arkansas graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 46th percentile of all sociology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas

Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (11 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Arkansas$33,566$44,028$24,2250.72
Arkansas State University$34,105$35,781$38,0641.12
Arkansas Tech University$32,924—$23,1800.70
University of Central Arkansas$31,867$39,509$26,3720.83
National Median$34,102—$25,0000.73

Other Sociology Programs in Arkansas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro
$7,754$34,105$38,064
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville
$8,508$32,924$23,180
University of Central Arkansas
Conway
$10,118$31,867$26,372

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Arkansas, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 55 graduates with reported earnings and 67 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.