Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,421
45th percentile
40th percentile in California
Median Debt
$24,500
2% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of RedlandsRedlands$57,614$33,421$43,456$24,5000.73
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara$59,241$53,612$62,009
National UniversitySan Diego$13,320$46,505$45,370$28,1250.60
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$43,202$37,947$39,0410.90
Occidental CollegeLos Angeles$63,446$42,653$48,239$21,2500.50
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley$14,850$40,774$64,119$13,1310.32
National Median$34,102$25,0000.73

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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.