Analysis
Sociology bachelor's programs in Oklahoma typically produce first-year earnings around $36,000, and this program's estimated outcomes align with that state median. The estimated debt load of roughly $25,000 translates to a 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable by most standards, though it means dedicating about 69% of a full year's gross pay to loans. Oklahoma's sociology graduates actually earn slightly more than the national median of $34,000, which provides some reassurance about the state's job market for this degree.
What matters here is context: sociology bachelor's degrees rarely lead to high-paying first jobs regardless of where you study. The top-performing Oklahoma programs show earnings ranging from $33,000 to $38,000—a relatively narrow spread that suggests school prestige matters less than what students do with the degree. Many sociology majors pursue graduate education or pivot into fields like social services, human resources, or market research, where earnings can grow substantially after those first years.
The practical reality is that $36,000 with $25,000 in debt is a tight but workable financial picture if your child has a clear plan for the degree. Without one—or without understanding that sociology often serves as a foundation for further education rather than direct career entry—the return on investment becomes questionable. Make sure there's a concrete answer to "what comes after graduation" before committing.
Where University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,000 | $35,917* | — | $24,626* | — | |
| $8,522 | $37,727* | $44,557 | $28,000* | 0.74 | |
| $9,595 | $35,917* | $41,962 | $24,172* | 0.67 | |
| $10,234 | $33,365* | $39,574 | $24,751* | 0.74 | |
| 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 Science and Arts of Oklahoma, approximately 47% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in OK. Actual outcomes may vary.