Sociology at University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco sociology graduates start slow at $36,183 but reach $61,096 by year four—a 69% earnings jump that's uncommon for social sciences. This trajectory matters because many sociology programs plateau in the low $40,000s. The first-year number sits around the 60th percentile among California's 64 sociology programs, but the real story is what happens next. However, the $25,000 debt load is considerably higher than California's typical $16,500 for sociology programs, which cuts into the advantage of those later-career gains.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 is manageable but not exceptional. You're looking at roughly half the state's other programs carrying less debt for similar or better starting salaries. Places like UC Berkeley ($40,774) and Santa Clara ($53,612) demonstrate what's possible at other California institutions, though Berkeley's public tuition would likely mean even less debt. USF's 51% admission rate and moderate selectivity suggest students have options, and the 27% Pell grant rate indicates limited economic diversity compared to public alternatives.

For families comfortable with above-average debt and willing to bet on delayed earnings growth, this could work. But if minimizing undergraduate debt is the priority—especially for a major that often requires graduate school—California's public universities offer stronger value propositions. The growth trajectory is real, but it doesn't fully offset starting nearly $10,000 above the state's typical sociology debt load.