Sociology at University of Louisville

A sociology degree from University of Louisville lands graduates squarely in the middle of the pack, both nationally and within Kentucky. At $32,818 in first-year earnings, graduates earn slightly less than the state median of $33,664 and trail the University of Kentucky by about $2,000 annually. The moderate debt load of $23,000—actually $2,000 below Kentucky's typical sociology debt—means students finish with a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio and can reasonably expect to pay off loans within a few years of graduation.

The 21% earnings growth over four years tells an encouraging story about career trajectory, with graduates reaching nearly $40,000 by year four. That growth rate matters more than the modest starting salary, especially for a social science degree where many graduates need time to find their footing in the job market. However, these figures reflect a moderate sample size, so individual outcomes may vary more than the medians suggest.

For families considering this program, the key trade-off is clear: you're paying less in tuition and borrowing less than at many peer institutions, but you're also not gaining a significant earnings advantage. If your student wants to stay in Kentucky and values Louisville's urban setting for internships and networking, the lower debt burden makes this a sensible choice. Just know they'll likely need graduate education or specialized training to substantially boost their earning potential beyond the $40,000 range.