Sociology at Western Colorado University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Western Colorado University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Western Colorado University graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all sociology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (14 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Colorado University | $43,178 | $37,385 | — | — |
| Adams State University | $46,948 | — | $29,441 | 0.63 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | $42,022 | $52,565 | $26,000 | 0.62 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $40,011 | $49,161 | $31,000 | 0.77 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | $37,958 | $51,246 | $17,819 | 0.47 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | $37,389 | $47,208 | $23,000 | 0.62 |
| National Median | $34,102 | — | $25,000 | 0.73 |
Other Sociology Programs in Colorado
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams State University Alamosa | $9,776 | $46,948 | $29,441 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver | $10,780 | $42,022 | $26,000 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver | $10,017 | $40,011 | $31,000 |
| University of Colorado Boulder Boulder | $16,430 | $37,958 | $17,819 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo | $9,401 | $37,389 | $23,000 |
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 Western Colorado University, approximately 13% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.