Sociology at University of Missouri-St Louis

A sociology degree from UM-St. Louis positions graduates slightly above the state median for earnings while keeping debt noticeably lower than typical—ranking in the 60th percentile for Missouri earnings but only the 29th percentile for debt nationally. Starting at $34,942 and growing to $41,287 by year four represents solid 18% growth, though graduates trail programs like Columbia College and UMKC by a few thousand dollars annually. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 means graduates borrow less than a year's starting salary, a manageable threshold that suggests reasonable repayment timelines.

However, the small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates reported—demands caution. These numbers could shift substantially with a larger cohort, and they may not reflect what your student would actually experience. The 57% admission rate and relatively accessible profile mean this isn't a highly selective program, which can affect peer networks and employer perceptions in social science fields where graduate school is often the next step.

For families seeking an affordable sociology degree close to home, UM-St. Louis delivers competitive value without the debt burden seen at many programs. Just recognize that sociology bachelor's degrees generally lead to modest starting salaries regardless of school, and these particular figures rest on limited data that may not tell the full story.