Compare 6 Sociology. programs in Kentucky. Average earnings: $34,809.
With top graduates earning $39,655, Sociology stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $5K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
The data puts University of Louisville first, with Sociology graduates earning $39,655, well above the Kentucky average of $34,809. Western Kentucky University follows at $36,863, while Northern Kentucky University rounds out the top three at $35,603—showing that regional publics dominate this field across the state.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Louisville graduates borrow $20,500 and face a 16.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. When parent loans are included, families face a 35.6% burden, highlighting how the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $39,655
Strong outcomes with 80.5% acceptance
16.5% payment burden | Manageable - payment 12-18% of discretionary
35.6% family burden | High burden - payment over 25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of LouisvillePublic | $39,655 | 32 | $20,500 | Manageable | $20,717 | High |
| #2 | $36,863 | 49 | $22,095 | Challenging | $18,310 | High | |
| #3 | $35,603 | 13 | $23,000 | Challenging | $14,877 | High | |
| #4 | $35,326 | 37 | $22,250 | Challenging | $10,050 | High | |
| #5 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $33,360 | 35 | $22,500 | High | $30,006 | High |
| #6 | $28,048 | 16 | $22,500 | High | $14,685 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
