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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Arkansas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | $33,566 | $44,028 | +31% |
| Dartmouth College | $64,377 | $71,802 | +12% |
| University of Notre Dame | $35,915 | $71,102 | +98% |
| University of Central Arkansas | $31,867 | $39,509 | +24% |
| Arkansas State University | $34,105 | $35,781 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,748 | $33,566 | $44,028 | $24,225 | 0.72 | |
| $7,754 | $34,105 | $35,781 | $38,064 | 1.12 | |
| $8,508 | $32,924 | — | $23,180 | 0.70 | |
| $10,118 | $31,867 | $39,509 | $26,372 | 0.83 | |
| National Median | — | $34,102 | — | $25,000 | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.