Sociology Degree in Murfreesboro, TN — Salary & ROI 2026
Sociology degree analysis for Murfreesboro, TN. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$40K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$55K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
11.4 yrs
in Murfreesboro
Cost of Living
91
index (100 = avg)
Sociology in Murfreesboro, TN Overview
Murfreesboro, Tennessee (pop. 152,769) has 10 colleges offering Sociology programs. The local cost of living index of 91 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,003/month. Although national enrollment in Sociology has been declining, graduates with skills in Research Methods and Data Analysis remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Murfreesboro is approximately $40,040.
Category
Social Sciences
Local Colleges
10
Public Tuition
$9,312/yr
Private Tuition
$43,809/yr
Room & Board
$13,946/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$16,072/yr
Unemployment
5.4%
Graduation Rate
53%
Sociology Salary in Murfreesboro (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Murfreesboro's cost of living index of 91 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Sociology salary: $44,000 starting, $60,000 mid-career, $75,000 senior level.Murfreesboro adjustment factor: 0.91x based on the local cost of living index.
Sociology ROI Calculator for Murfreesboro
Estimate your return on investment for a Sociology degree using local Murfreesboro tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $9,312 | Private avg: $43,809
Murfreesboro avg aid: $16,072/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$93,032
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$8,190
vs HS diploma in Murfreesboro
ROI Payback Period
11.4 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Murfreesboro
$134,468
Lifetime earnings premium ($227,500) minus total education cost ($93,032)
Student Loan Payoff for Sociology in Murfreesboro
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Murfreesboro for Sociology
Middle Tennessee State University
public
$9,312/yr
$37,248 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Motlow State Community College
$4,320/yr
Top Employers for Sociology in Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Sociology graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Murfreesboro Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences
Government agencies
Non-profits
Research institutes
Social services
Consulting
Common Sociology Job Titles
Sociology in Nearby Tennessee Cities
Nashville, TN
$40K starting · COL 92
35 colleges
Memphis, TN
$41K starting · COL 93
22 colleges
Knoxville, TN
$37K starting · COL 85
5 colleges
Chattanooga, TN
$35K starting · COL 80
5 colleges
Clarksville, TN
$40K starting · COL 90
9 colleges
Franklin, TN
$52K starting · COL 118.5
4 colleges
Jackson, TN
$36K starting · COL 82.5
3 colleges
Johnson City, TN
$46K starting · COL 105
6 colleges
Other Social Sciences Majors in Murfreesboro
International Relations
$46K starting · 5 yr ROI
Political Science
$44K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Urban Planning
$46K starting · 5 yr ROI
Geography
$46K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Forensic Science
$46K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Sustainability Studies
$46K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Psychology
$40K starting · 6 yr ROI
Criminal Justice
$46K starting · 5 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Sociology degree outcomes in Murfreesboro, TN: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Sociology programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Tennessee.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Murfreesboro using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Sociology graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Sociology career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Sociology grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Murfreesboro Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Tennessee students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Tennessee programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "tennessee higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Sociology Degree in Murfreesboro — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Sociology ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Murfreesboro.