Sociology at University of Central Florida

UCF's sociology program outpaces most Florida alternatives while keeping debt manageable, with graduates earning more than 60% of comparable state programs. At $34,926 in year one, starting salaries sit just above the national median, but the real story emerges by year four when earnings jump 27% to $44,436—meaningful income growth that suggests graduates find their footing in the job market.

The debt picture works in students' favor here. At $26,307, graduates borrow slightly more than the state median but less than the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 that's sustainable on a social science salary. Among Florida's 23 sociology programs, UCF trails only Saint Leo and University of North Florida in earnings outcomes, yet costs significantly less in borrowing than many peers. The combination of above-median earnings and below-average debt places this program in a reasonable risk zone for families.

For Florida families, UCF delivers solid value in a field not known for high salaries. Your child won't graduate wealthy, but they'll earn competitive wages for the degree with debt they can realistically manage—particularly if that 27% earnings trajectory continues into later career years. The large sample size backing these numbers adds confidence these outcomes are typical, not outliers.