Sociology at University of Georgia

UGA sociology graduates start at $32,530—slightly below the national median—but their earnings jump 38% to nearly $45,000 by year four, one of the stronger growth trajectories we see in this field. More importantly for Georgia families, this program outperforms 60% of in-state sociology programs despite UGA's lower tuition advantage as a flagship public university. At $20,625 in median debt, graduates carry about $8,000 less than the typical Georgia sociology student, though that's still higher than the national median.

The value calculation here depends heavily on career trajectory. That strong four-year earnings growth suggests graduates are successfully moving into positions that reward a UGA degree—perhaps leveraging the flagship's alumni network and employer relationships. However, even at $45,000, they're earning less than what graduates from several other Georgia universities make in their first year. Students considering this path should have a clear plan for how sociology fits into their career goals, whether that's graduate school, specific professional fields like human resources or market research, or non-profit work.

For families choosing between Georgia sociology programs, UGA offers below-average debt with mid-pack starting salaries that improve meaningfully over time. That's a reasonable foundation if your student is committed to the major and has specific post-graduation plans, but not a standout financial proposition compared to alternatives within the state system.