Sociology at Western Washington University

Western Washington's sociology program starts graduates at a modest $33,039—below both state and national medians—but the trajectory tells a more encouraging story. By year four, earnings jump 36% to $45,075, surpassing what most sociology programs deliver nationally and putting graduates on stronger financial footing than the early numbers suggest. The manageable $20,087 in debt means new graduates aren't drowning while they build their careers, with the debt representing just over half of first-year earnings.

The challenge is perspective: this program ranks squarely in the middle nationally (41st percentile) and among Washington schools (40th percentile), trailing the state's flagship programs by $7,000-12,000 in year four earnings. If your student could access the University of Washington or Washington State University, those programs deliver measurably better outcomes. But WWU's 91% admission rate makes it accessible to many students who wouldn't clear those higher bars, and the debt load here is notably lighter than you'll find at many alternatives.

For a student committed to sociology who needs a realistic admit, this works—the earnings growth is real and the debt won't derail their twenties. Just understand you're paying for a degree that performs at the Washington median, not above it.