Sociology (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Florida-Online

Median Earnings (1yr)

$33,611

46th percentile

60th percentile in Florida

Median Debt

$18,929

24% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Florida-Online graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
University of Florida-Online	$33,611	$46,050	+37%
University of Florida	$33,611	$46,050	+37%
Saint Leo University	$39,498	$45,627	+16%
University of Central Florida	$34,926	$44,436	+27%
Florida Atlantic University	$29,679	$44,291	+49%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of Florida-OnlineGainesville	$3,876	$33,611	$46,050	$18,929	0.56
Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo	$28,360	$39,498	$45,627	$46,960	1.19
University of North FloridaJacksonville	$6,389	$35,728	$38,499	$23,250	0.65
University of Central FloridaOrlando	$6,368	$34,926	$44,436	$26,307	0.75
The University of TampaTampa	$33,424	$33,872	—	$23,000	0.68
Florida State UniversityTallahassee	$5,656	$33,783	$43,329	$22,164	0.66
National Median	—	$34,102	—	$25,000	0.73

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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.