Sociology (Bachelor's Degree) at Webster University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$34,942

Est. from MO median (9 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$33,088

Est. from MO median (4 programs)

Analysis

Webster's sociology bachelor's carries an estimated debt load of $33,088—roughly $8,000 above both the Missouri and national medians for this degree. Based on comparable sociology programs in Missouri, first-year earnings around $35,000 translate to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.95, meaning graduates would owe nearly a full year's salary. That's manageable but offers little cushion, especially when several Missouri universities with reported outcomes—like Columbia College at $37,758 and UMKC at $36,810—show their sociology graduates earning more while typically carrying less debt.

The earnings figure itself sits squarely at Missouri's median for sociology programs, which nationally is not a high-earning field. With 1,007 schools offering this degree nationwide, the competition is fierce, and sociology bachelor's holders often need graduate education or strategic career pivoting to reach comfortable income levels. The $25,000 national debt median suggests many families find ways to finance this degree more affordably than the estimated path here.

For a field where earnings growth matters tremendously, starting with above-average debt puts extra pressure on career decisions right out of the gate. If Webster is your child's clear choice for fit or other reasons, the numbers don't disqualify it—but they do suggest having frank conversations about total borrowing and comparing the actual financial aid package against Missouri's public options, where sociology programs show similar outcomes with potentially lower price tags.

Where Webster University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (28 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Webster UniversitySaint Louis	$30,730	$34,942*	—	$33,088*	—
Columbia CollegeColumbia	$24,326	$37,758*	$38,279	$32,276*	0.85
University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City	$11,988	$36,810*	$44,252	$20,799*	0.57
Drury UniversitySpringfield	$35,235	$35,881*	$34,669	$33,900*	0.94
Drury University-College of Continuing Professional StudiesSpringfield	$8,044	$35,881*	$34,669	$33,900*	0.94
University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis	$13,440	$34,942*	$41,287	$26,686*	0.76
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 Webster University, approximately 28% 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 MO. Actual outcomes may vary.