Sociology at Willamette University

Willamette's sociology program shows a significant gap between first-year outcomes and what graduates achieve longer-term. While the initial $29,312 salary sits below both state and national medians, earnings jump 40% by year four to nearly $41,000—substantially better than Oregon's state median of $30,050. This trajectory suggests graduates may need time to translate their liberal arts education into career advancement, but those who do appear to outpace peers elsewhere in the state.

The debt load of $24,881 is reasonable, creating a manageable 0.85 debt-to-earnings ratio even with the slower start. Compared to Oregon State's sociology graduates who earn $39,000 right away, Willamette students face a rougher launch year. However, the small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these figures could shift considerably with different cohorts. The school's 79% admission rate and relatively low Pell grant enrollment (22%) also suggest this is primarily serving middle-income families who can weather that initial earning period.

For families who can provide financial runway during those first post-graduation years, the program's growth trajectory looks promising. But if your student needs immediate earning power to service debt, Oregon State's sociology program offers a more direct path to solid starting salaries without the wait.