Sociology at University of Central Oklahoma
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Central Oklahoma's sociology program outperforms most competitors despite carrying slightly higher debt than typical. Graduates earn $37,727 in their first year—exceeding the national median by 11% and ranking in the 78th percentile nationally. Within Oklahoma, these earnings place in the 60th percentile, actually edging out Oklahoma State and matching OU-Norman's outcomes. The $28,000 median debt sits about $3,400 above state norms, but with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74, graduates owe less than what they'll earn in their first year.
The earnings trajectory looks particularly solid, with graduates seeing an 18% income increase by year four, reaching $44,557. This isn't the meteoric rise you'd see in technical fields, but it's steady upward momentum that suggests graduates are building sustainable careers. The moderate sample size of 30-100 graduates provides reasonable confidence in these figures.
For families weighing sociology programs in Oklahoma, UCO offers above-average outcomes at a modest premium. The extra $3,400 in debt buys access to a program that demonstrably outperforms most state alternatives. If your student is committed to sociology and staying in Oklahoma, this represents a measured bet—not a bargain, but clear value relative to peers.
Where University of Central Oklahoma Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
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 Central Oklahoma graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Central Oklahoma graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 78th 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 Oklahoma
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Oklahoma | $37,727 | $44,557 | $28,000 | 0.74 |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $35,917 | $41,962 | $24,172 | 0.67 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $33,365 | $39,574 | $24,751 | 0.74 |
| National Median | $34,102 | — | $25,000 | 0.73 |
Other Sociology Programs in Oklahoma
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman | $9,595 | $35,917 | $24,172 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater | $10,234 | $33,365 | $24,751 |
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 Central Oklahoma, approximately 35% 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 62 graduates with reported earnings and 84 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.