Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 suggests this program positions graduates for manageable loan repayment, though the figures come from comparable sociology programs rather than University of Tulsa's specific outcomes. With estimated first-year earnings of $35,917—matching Oklahoma's state median and slightly above the national benchmark—and projected debt of $26,000, graduates would face monthly payments around $290 on a standard plan, roughly 10% of gross monthly income. That's workable, though it means starting salaries will be tight.
The challenge lies in sociology's broader earnings trajectory. While the estimated starting figure aligns with peer programs statewide, including University of Central Oklahoma's reported $37,727, sociology bachelor's degrees typically don't command strong early-career premiums. The University of Tulsa's selective profile (1325 average SAT) and private school premium in tuition don't translate into materially better employment outcomes for this major compared to public alternatives that might cost less upfront.
For families weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest financial viability but not advantage. If your child is committed to sociology specifically and values Tulsa's smaller class sizes, the debt load appears sustainable. However, if they're open to similar programs at Oklahoma public universities, you'd likely achieve comparable career outcomes with lower borrowing—a consideration worth serious discussion given the lack of program-specific data to demonstrate any earnings premium here.
Where University of Tulsa 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,602 | $35,917* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $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 Tulsa, approximately 26% 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.