Sociology at University of North Carolina Wilmington

UNCW's sociology program starts graduates at $29,220—well below both the national median ($34,102) and North Carolina's median ($31,728) for this degree. While the 40th percentile ranking among North Carolina programs suggests this is middle-of-the-pack for the state, graduates here earn roughly $7,000 less than peers at NC State and about $17,000 less than those from Duke or Wake Forest in their first year.

The program does show strong income growth, with earnings jumping 52% to $44,355 by year four. That trajectory moves graduates from struggling territory into more stable financial ground. The debt load of $24,125 is manageable relative to first-year earnings (0.83 ratio), though it still represents nearly a full year's starting salary. The real challenge is weathering those initial years when earnings are quite low for a four-year degree.

Keep in mind these figures come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. For families considering this program, the key question is whether your student can navigate the lean early years—perhaps through living at home or having financial support—while building toward better mid-career prospects. If immediate earning power matters most, other Carolina schools or different majors offer stronger starting salaries.