Sociology at University of Wisconsin-Superior

Wisconsin sociology programs cluster tightly in the mid-$30,000s for first-year earnings, and UW-Superior appears positioned right in that range based on comparable programs statewide. The estimated $35,981 matches both the state median and what graduates from Saint Norbert College actually report, suggesting this program follows typical patterns for sociology degrees in Wisconsin rather than standing apart.

The estimated $25,968 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72—manageable by conventional standards, though not particularly advantageous. For context, sociology programs nationally carry a median debt of $25,000, so this estimate aligns with what's typical across the country. The practical reality: monthly loan payments would likely consume around 7-8% of gross income, leaving room to breathe but not providing much financial cushion in those early career years when sociology graduates often work in social services, nonprofit, or research assistant roles.

What's harder to assess is whether UW-Superior's specific program offers advantages that justify attending when other Wisconsin options report similar or slightly higher outcomes. The school's high admission rate and accessible profile suggest it serves students who may not have alternatives, which matters for context. If your child is weighing this against other Wisconsin public universities where actual reported earnings run $1,000-$2,000 higher, those differences are real but modest—unlikely to transform the financial picture of a sociology degree either way.