Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,611
46th percentile (60th in FL)
Median Debt
$18,929
24% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.56
Manageable
Sample Size
174
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Florida-Online's sociology program stands out for two things: manageable debt and strong earnings growth. At just under $19,000 in student loans, graduates carry about 25% less debt than the national median for sociology degrees, while the 82nd percentile debt ranking confirms this is among the more affordable options. The initial salary of $33,611 might feel modest, but within four years graduates see their earnings jump 37% to $46,050—a trajectory that significantly outpaces typical early-career growth for social science majors.

The state comparison offers useful perspective. Among Florida's 23 sociology programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, meaning it performs better than most in-state alternatives despite being an online program. Saint Leo and UNF graduates do earn more initially, but none of those programs combine UF's brand recognition, low debt load, and career momentum. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary—tight but workable, especially given the upward earnings trend.

For families weighing in-state options, this program delivers solid value: University of Florida's reputation, online flexibility, below-average debt, and graduates who appear to gain traction in their careers fairly quickly. The initial salary requires patience, but the four-year numbers suggest that patience pays off.

Where University of Florida-Online Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally

University of Florida-OnlineOther sociology programs

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 Florida-Online graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Florida-Online graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 46th 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 Florida

Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (23 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Florida-Online$33,611$46,050$18,9290.56
Saint Leo University$39,498$45,627$46,9601.19
University of North Florida$35,728$38,499$23,2500.65
University of Central Florida$34,926$44,436$26,3070.75
The University of Tampa$33,872$23,0000.68
Florida State University$33,783$43,329$22,1640.66
National Median$34,102$25,0000.73

Other Sociology Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo
$28,360$39,498$46,960
University of North Florida
Jacksonville
$6,389$35,728$23,250
University of Central Florida
Orlando
$6,368$34,926$26,307
The University of Tampa
Tampa
$33,424$33,872$23,000
Florida State University
Tallahassee
$5,656$33,783$22,164

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 Florida-Online, approximately 20% 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 174 graduates with reported earnings and 172 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.