Sociology at University of New England

In Maine, sociology bachelor's programs show considerable variation—from $30,283 at UMaine to nearly $48,000 at Bowdoin. University of New England's program falls in the middle based on estimates from similar programs statewide, projecting first-year earnings around $42,170. That's notably above the national median of $34,102 for sociology degrees, though it's impossible to know whether UNE specifically matches this pattern without actual graduate outcomes from the school itself.

The estimated $26,000 debt load—derived from comparable private nonprofit institutions nationally—creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62, which is manageable on paper. However, sociology degrees typically don't command high starting salaries anywhere, and even the strongest Maine programs hover in the low-to-mid $40,000s. That means even in a best-case scenario, your child would be entering a competitive job market with limited earning power relative to other majors.

The real concern is the uncertainty. With an 89% admission rate and only 12% of students on Pell grants, UNE serves primarily middle- and upper-income families who may have more financial cushion. But if your child will rely heavily on loans, you're betting on outcomes that mirror peer institutions rather than proven results from this specific program. Consider whether your family can absorb the risk if actual earnings fall short of these projections.