Analysis
Ohio sociology graduates face a challenging market, but Mount Union's estimated numbers land right at the state median—$36,506 in first-year earnings based on 16 comparable programs across Ohio. The estimated $27,469 debt load, while higher than the state's typical $25,000, still produces a manageable 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates should be able to handle loan payments without severe financial strain, though they won't have much breathing room initially.
The gap between Mount Union's estimated outcomes and Ohio's top performers is substantial. Miami University and Cincinnati sociology majors start around $42,000-$43,000, giving them roughly $6,000 more annually to work with. That difference compounds over time and makes debt repayment considerably easier. Mount Union's 80% admission rate and average academic profile suggest it's serving a different student population than these flagship institutions, but families should understand what that tradeoff means financially.
For a sociology degree, these estimated figures represent a survivable but not comfortable path. The field typically requires graduate education for significant career advancement, so students planning to stop at a bachelor's degree should have concrete employment plans—social services, human resources, research assistance—rather than vague notions about "helping people." If your child is drawn to sociology specifically and Mount Union is the right fit otherwise, this program appears workable, but it won't provide the same early-career cushion as the state's more competitive options.
Where University of Mount Union Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (46 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,400 | $36,506* | — | $27,469* | — | |
| $17,809 | $43,150* | $47,382 | $23,500* | 0.54 | |
| $13,570 | $42,507* | — | $24,250* | 0.57 | |
| $9,212 | $38,034* | $45,403 | $21,739* | 0.57 | |
| $12,859 | $38,034* | $45,403 | $21,739* | 0.57 | |
| $49,100 | $36,845* | $48,903 | $27,000* | 0.73 | |
| 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 Mount Union, approximately 29% 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 16 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.