Compare 12 Sociology and Anthropology. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $36,942. Top programs: $54,158+.
The highest-earning Sociology and Anthropology program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $32K earnings gap across 12 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Centre College's Sociology and Anthropology program leads with graduates earning $54,158—nearly 50% above the $37K average. St Olaf College follows at $47,530, while Denison University reaches $46,771. These liberal arts colleges demonstrate that specialized focus often trumps broad institutional reputation.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Lafayette College graduates borrow $16,000 and face just a 10.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. Centre College leads in earnings but requires careful planning at 11.7% student burden, proving the best choice depends on your financial priorities.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Centre CollegePrivate | $54,158 | 18 | $27,000 | Good | $50,378 | High |
| #2 | St Olaf CollegePrivate | $47,530 | 19 | $26,000 | Manageable | $40,568 | High |
| #3 | Denison UniversityPrivate | $46,771 | 17 | $26,000 | Manageable | $45,521 | High |
| #4 | Lafayette CollegePrivate | $43,321 | 36 | $16,000 | Good | $59,000 | High |
| #5 | $40,210 | 43 | $24,779 | Challenging | $19,136 | High | |
| #6 | Fairfield UniversityPrivate | $38,337 | 6 | $26,000 | Challenging | $50,500 | High |
| #7 | $37,866 | 72 | $14,350 | Manageable | $15,568 | High | |
| #8 | $34,388 | 18 | $25,000 | High | $22,757 | High | |
| #9 | $27,702 | 15 | $20,332 | High | $21,279 | High | |
| #10 | Knox CollegePrivate | $26,350 | 12 | $27,000 | High | $28,730 | High |
| #11 | Lewis & Clark CollegePrivate | $24,098 | 43 | $19,500 | High | $33,625 | High |
| #12 | University Of Puget SoundPrivate | $22,578 | 23 | $25,000 | High | $52,058 | 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 →
