Sociology at University of Central Missouri

The small sample size here is critical context, but the available data suggests UCM's sociology program starts students at a significant earnings disadvantage. That first-year figure of $28,238 ranks in just the 11th percentile nationally and 25th percentile in Missouri—both Columbia College and University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates earn roughly $8,000 to $9,000 more annually right out of the gate. Even with the program's notable 50% earnings growth by year four, graduates still trail the Missouri median.

The positive side of this equation is manageable debt: at $24,100, it's below both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. This means graduates aren't buried, even with those lower starting salaries. However, the trajectory matters less if you're consistently earning below-market rates—the gap between UCM and higher-performing Missouri programs compounds over time in favor of those other schools.

With under 30 graduates in the data, these numbers might not reflect typical outcomes. If your student is considering sociology at UCM, understand they're likely facing a tougher entry into the job market than peers from comparable Missouri institutions, though at least without crushing debt. That's a real tradeoff worth weighing against factors like location, campus fit, or whether graduate school is the plan.