Sociology at University of Dayton

A Bachelor's in Sociology from University of Dayton appears positioned near the middle of Ohio's range, with peer programs in the state suggesting first-year earnings around $36,500—roughly $2,400 above the national median for sociology degrees. That's modestly encouraging, though it's worth noting that top-tier programs like Miami University and UC produce graduates earning $6,000-$7,000 more right out of the gate. The estimated $27,500 in debt sits slightly above both state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75—manageable but not exceptional.

The practical reality here is that sociology degrees typically don't command high starting salaries anywhere, and comparable programs suggest Dayton's graduates will likely need roughly nine months of gross earnings to cover their debt load. For context, Ohio's stronger sociology programs achieve better outcomes, suggesting that program quality and university reputation matter significantly in this field. Given Dayton's 62% admission rate and solid academic profile (average SAT of 1313), the university occupies a middle tier that appears reflected in these earnings estimates.

If your student is committed to sociology specifically, this program won't derail their finances, but they shouldn't expect it to accelerate them either. The bigger question is whether the career paths that typically follow a sociology degree—which often require graduate school or pivot into adjacent fields—align with your family's financial capacity for that estimated debt load on a $36,500 starting salary.