Sociology at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

UW-La Crosse's sociology program starts graduates below both the Wisconsin median ($36,000) and the national average, landing in just the 40th percentile among Wisconsin sociology programs. That's behind peer UW System schools like Stevens Point, Milwaukee, and Whitewater—all of which start graduates $3,000-$4,000 higher. However, there's a compelling second act: earnings jump 33% to $44,600 by year four, suggesting graduates find their footing after an initially slow launch.

The debt picture offers some reassurance. At $25,000, borrowing sits right at state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 even in that modest first year. Given the program's accessible 73% admission rate, students aren't paying selective-school premiums while ending up with below-average starting salaries. The strong four-year earnings suggest the initial gap closes over time, though why UW-La Crosse sociology majors start behind their in-state peers remains unclear—it could reflect geographic salary differences or the types of first jobs graduates take.

For families prioritizing a sociology degree from a regional public university, this program offers reasonable debt and solid earnings trajectory. Just know your graduate will likely earn less initially than they would at other Wisconsin public schools, making that first year or two financially tighter before the catch-up begins.