Sociology at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

UW-Milwaukee's sociology program lands comfortably above the median both nationally (69th percentile) and within Wisconsin (60th percentile), though it trails the state's top performer, UW-Stevens Point, by about $1,400 in first-year earnings. The $26,000 median debt sits right at the state average and produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71—meaning graduates owe about 8.5 months of their first year's salary. The 20% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests reasonable career progression, with earnings climbing to $43,554 by the four-year mark.

The numbers tell a straightforward story: this program delivers slightly better outcomes than most sociology degrees while remaining accessible (88% admission rate, 30% Pell grant students). Starting at $36,452 isn't going to fund a luxurious lifestyle right out of college, but it's functional income in Milwaukee where the cost of living runs below national averages. The debt load is reasonable enough that graduates should be able to manage payments without financial crisis.

For families considering sociology degrees in Wisconsin, UW-Milwaukee represents a solid middle-ground option—better than most alternatives in the state, reasonably priced, and with decent earning potential for a liberal arts field. Just understand that sociology rarely leads to high early-career salaries regardless of where you study it.