Analysis
In Minnesota, sociology bachelor's programs vary significantly in their outcomes, and UMN-Morris's estimated figures place it squarely in the middle. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates typically earn around $40,540 in their first year—matching the state median and notably above the $34,102 national benchmark. The estimated debt load of $24,344 is actually below both state and national medians, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 that suggests manageable repayment for most graduates.
What makes these estimates particularly relevant is the context: among Minnesota schools with reported data, outcomes cluster in a fairly tight band, with most programs producing first-year earnings between $39,000 and $43,500. UMN-Morris's position within this range, combined with its lower estimated debt, suggests this program likely delivers competitive value compared to peer institutions. The school's 31% Pell grant population also indicates it serves students who may be particularly debt-sensitive.
The practical takeaway: if your student is drawn to sociology and prefers a smaller campus environment, the estimated financial profile here looks reasonable. The debt burden appears light enough that it won't dominate their early career finances, and the earnings potential aligns with state norms. Just recognize these are educated guesses based on similar Minnesota programs—actual outcomes for this specific cohort remain unknown due to small class sizes.
Where University of Minnesota-Morris Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,288 | $40,540* | — | $24,344* | — | |
| $10,498 | $43,505* | $41,763 | $21,687* | 0.50 | |
| $10,336 | $42,984* | $49,414 | $27,000* | 0.63 | |
| $9,490 | $42,108* | $40,199 | $27,000* | 0.64 | |
| $16,488 | $38,972* | $50,586 | $20,377* | 0.52 | |
| $43,942 | $34,543* | — | $27,000* | 0.78 | |
| National Median | — | $34,102* | — | $25,000* | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 Minnesota-Morris, approximately 31% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.