Sociology at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Nebraska-Lincoln sociology graduates start with solid first-year earnings of $36,809, but what makes this program stand out is the impressive trajectory: earnings jump 38% to $50,722 by year four. This isn't the typical social sciences story of stagnant wages—these graduates are building momentum and pulling ahead of most comparable programs nationally.
The debt picture adds to the appeal. At $19,400, graduates owe roughly $6,000 less than the national median for sociology programs and significantly less than the $26,000 typical in Nebraska. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 means graduates carry debt equal to just over half their first-year salary, a manageable burden that becomes even more comfortable as earnings grow. Among Nebraska sociology programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings—middle of the pack locally but competitive with the state median.
The real value proposition here is earning potential that starts decent and improves substantially, paired with below-average debt. For families concerned about liberal arts degrees leading to dead-end wages, this program demonstrates that sociology graduates from Nebraska-Lincoln can build viable career paths. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary, but the pattern of strong earnings growth is clear enough to take seriously.
Where University of Nebraska-Lincoln Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 71th percentile of all sociology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (10 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $36,809 | $50,722 | $19,400 | 0.53 |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | $40,871 | $43,564 | $26,750 | 0.65 |
| Doane University | $32,351 | $45,774 | $26,000 | 0.80 |
| National Median | $34,102 | — | $25,000 | 0.73 |
Other Sociology Programs in Nebraska
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Nebraska schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha | $8,370 | $40,871 | $26,750 |
| Doane University Crete | $40,491 | $32,351 | $26,000 |
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-Lincoln, approximately 22% 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 50 graduates with reported earnings and 51 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.