Analysis
University of Nebraska at Omaha's sociology program significantly outperforms national expectations, with graduates earning $40,871 in their first year—roughly 20% above the national median for sociology majors and landing in the 95th percentile nationally. Within Nebraska, it holds the 60th percentile position, meaning it's competitive but not exceptional compared to in-state alternatives. The $26,750 debt load sits just above both state and national medians, resulting in a manageable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio that parents should find reassuring.
The 7% earnings growth over four years is modest, though sociology isn't typically a field with explosive early-career salary jumps. What matters more here is the strong starting point—earning $40,871 straight out of college puts these graduates in a better position than most sociology majors nationwide. For context, UNO's graduates out-earn those from Nebraska's flagship program in Lincoln by about $4,000 annually, suggesting the program has built strong local employer connections or prepares students particularly well for higher-paying applications of their degree.
For Nebraska families, this represents solid value: accessible admissions, reasonable debt, and earnings that eclipse most sociology programs across the country. Your child won't get rich with this degree, but they'll start their career ahead of most peers in their field with manageable loans.
Where University of Nebraska at Omaha Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Nebraska at Omaha graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | $40,871 | $43,564 | +7% |
| Dartmouth College | $64,377 | $71,802 | +12% |
| University of Notre Dame | $35,915 | $71,102 | +98% |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $36,809 | $50,722 | +38% |
| Doane University | $32,351 | $45,774 | +41% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,370 | $40,871 | $43,564 | $26,750 | 0.65 | |
| $10,108 | $36,809 | $50,722 | $19,400 | 0.53 | |
| $40,491 | $32,351 | $45,774 | $26,000 | 0.80 | |
| 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 Nebraska at Omaha, approximately 33% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 35 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.