Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,981
Est. from WI median (9 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from WI median (3 programs)

Analysis

In Wisconsin, sociology bachelor's programs cluster within a fairly narrow earnings range—and based on comparable programs across the state, Viterbo appears to land right at the median. The estimated $35,981 first-year salary sits squarely among peer institutions, matching the state median exactly and coming in just below top performers like UW-Stevens Point. Combined with an estimated $26,000 in debt, the 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio falls into workable territory, requiring roughly nine months of gross income to cover borrowing.

The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here—both the earnings and debt figures come from similar programs statewide, not from tracked outcomes of Viterbo sociology graduates specifically. This makes it impossible to know whether this program runs ahead or behind state trends. What we do know is that sociology bachelor's degrees generally produce modest early earnings, and the state benchmarks suggest Viterbo's version likely follows that pattern rather than defying it.

For families considering this path, the financial picture appears manageable but not exceptional. The debt load won't be crushing, but the salary won't provide much cushion either. Before committing, press Viterbo's career services office for concrete placement data specific to their sociology graduates—where they land, what roles they secure, and whether graduate school becomes necessary for career advancement in their alumni's experience.

Where Viterbo University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (21 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Viterbo UniversityLa Crosse$32,350$35,981*$26,000*
University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointStevens Point$8,834$37,888*$43,997$25,968*0.69
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee$10,020$36,452*$43,554$26,000*0.71
University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater$8,250$36,411*$43,215$26,250*0.72
Beloit CollegeBeloit$58,554$36,222*$27,000*0.75
Saint Norbert CollegeDe Pere$44,432$35,981*$45,831$26,000*0.72
National Median$34,102*$25,000*0.73
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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 Viterbo University, approximately 22% 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 9 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.