Analysis
University of Redlands sociology graduates start at $33,421—landing below both the California median ($34,714) and national average for the major. At the 40th percentile among California sociology programs, this means six out of ten sociology programs in the state produce higher-earning graduates. The $24,500 debt load appears reasonable in isolation, but California sociology programs typically carry just $16,500 in debt, making Redlands significantly pricier for below-average outcomes.
The 30% earnings growth to $43,456 by year four provides some optimism, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) makes it difficult to rely on this trajectory with confidence. Compare this to sociology powerhouses in the state: Santa Clara graduates start at $53,612, while even UC Berkeley sociology majors begin at $40,774. The gap isn't trivial when you're carrying 48% more debt than the typical California sociology graduate.
For families considering Redlands at full cost, the numbers suggest redirecting attention to programs with stronger track records. The 81% admission rate and moderate academics mean your student likely has access to California public universities where sociology programs deliver comparable or better outcomes with substantially less debt. If Redlands offers significant merit aid that brings the debt below $20,000, it becomes more defensible—but at sticker price, this represents a premium payment for middling results.
Where University of Redlands Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Redlands 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 Redlands | $33,421 | $43,456 | +30% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $30,401 | $67,872 | +123% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $40,774 | $64,119 | +57% |
| Santa Clara University | $53,612 | $62,009 | +16% |
| University of San Francisco | $36,183 | $61,096 | +69% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (64 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $57,614 | $33,421 | $43,456 | $24,500 | 0.73 | |
| $59,241 | $53,612 | $62,009 | — | — | |
| $13,320 | $46,505 | $45,370 | $28,125 | 0.60 | |
| $13,160 | $43,202 | $37,947 | $39,041 | 0.90 | |
| $63,446 | $42,653 | $48,239 | $21,250 | 0.50 | |
| $14,850 | $40,774 | $64,119 | $13,131 | 0.32 | |
| 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 Redlands, approximately 35% 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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.