Compare 539 Sociology. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $42,195. Top programs: $71,802+.
Sociology programs produce graduates earning between $58,517 and $71,802—a $13K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 539 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Dartmouth's Sociology program leads with graduates earning $71,802, followed closely by Notre Dame at $71,102 and Boston College at $70,722. These results outpace the $42,195 average significantly, but the real story is how elite private programs cluster at the top while maintaining small cohort sizes of just 35-45 students.
High earnings create excellent affordability when debt stays reasonable. UC Berkeley graduates borrow just $13,000 and face only a 4.3% payment burden, earning their 'Excellent' affordability rating. For families including parent loans, San Jose State leads with a manageable 13.6% burden—proof that California publics deliver strong value.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dartmouth CollegePrivate | $71,802 | 35 | $17,500 | Excellent | $44,481 | Challenging |
| #2 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $71,102 | 35 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Challenging |
| #3 | Boston CollegePrivate | $70,722 | 45 | $19,000 | Excellent | $45,000 | Challenging |
| #4 | Barnard CollegePrivate | $68,952 | 27 | $18,000 | Excellent | $65,000 | High |
| #5 | Villanova UniversityPrivate | $68,680 | 11 | $25,874 | Excellent | $40,000 | Challenging |
| #6 | $67,872 | 69 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #7 | University Of MiamiPrivate | $67,034 | 35 | $17,500 | Excellent | $37,267 | Challenging |
| #8 | $66,948 | 51 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Challenging | |
| #9 | American UniversityPrivate | $65,245 | 15 | $22,750 | Excellent | $39,169 | Challenging |
| #10 | $64,119 | 310 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Manageable | |
| #11 | University Of DubuquePrivate | $63,868 | 9 | $25,750 | Good | $21,000 | Manageable |
| #12 | Quinnipiac UniversityPrivate | $62,896 | 16 | $26,000 | Good | $64,334 | High |
| #13 | Santa Clara UniversityPrivate | $62,009 | 30 | $19,162 | Excellent | $56,271 | High |
| #14 | $61,967 | 190 | $15,000 | Excellent | $20,820 | Manageable | |
| #15 | New York UniversityPrivate | $61,935 | 53 | $20,500 | Excellent | $64,795 | High |
| #16 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | $61,096 | 55 | $23,000 | Good | $44,413 | High |
| #17 | Manhattanville CollegePrivate | $60,202 | 19 | $25,000 | Good | $35,904 | Challenging |
| #18 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $59,875 | 11 | $27,000 | Good | $41,405 | High |
| #19 | Providence CollegePrivate | $58,988 | 23 | $27,000 | Good | $46,300 | High |
| #20 | $58,517 | 168 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Manageable | |
| #21 | Fordham UniversityPrivate | $57,799 | 46 | $24,300 | Good | $37,095 | High |
| #22 | Wake Forest UniversityPrivate | $57,671 | 51 | $21,500 | Good | $30,000 | Challenging |
| #23 | $57,398 | 18 | $25,949 | Good | $23,250 | Challenging | |
| #24 | College Of The Holy CrossPrivate | $57,078 | 31 | $27,000 | Good | $39,032 | High |
| #25 | $57,043 | 62 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Challenging |
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 →
