Compare 22 Sociology. programs in Illinois. Average earnings: $45,142.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Sociology tells a different story. Across 22 programs in Illinois, earnings range from $37,689 to $59,875—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Bradley University's Sociology program leads with graduates earning $59,875, well above the state average of $45,142. Loyola University Chicago follows at $51,590, while Saint Xavier University matches at $51,583. The 77% acceptance rate at Bradley proves strong outcomes don't require exclusivity.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Chicago graduates borrow $15,000 and face just an 8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Saint Xavier offers the best family value with a 21.8% combined burden, making quality Sociology education accessible.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $59,875 | 11 | $27,000 | Good | $41,405 | High |
| #2 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | $51,590 | 43 | $24,157 | Good | $54,045 | High |
| #3 | Saint Xavier UniversityPrivate | $51,583 | 9 | $22,223 | Good | $20,742 | Challenging |
| #4 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $50,794 | 41 | $23,168 | Good | $41,563 | High |
| #5 | Illinois Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | $49,774 | 6 | $27,000 | Manageable | $47,679 | High |
| #6 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | $48,432 | 31 | $15,000 | Excellent | $33,297 | High |
| #7 | $48,082 | 76 | $20,482 | Good | $28,767 | High | |
| #8 | Dominican UniversityPrivate | $47,191 | 32 | $24,411 | Manageable | $19,865 | High |
| #9 | $47,028 | 65 | $19,500 | Good | $34,511 | High | |
| #10 | North Central CollegePrivate | $46,021 | 28 | $24,500 | Manageable | $30,000 | High |
| #11 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $45,402 | 29 | $15,000 | Good | $26,966 | High |
| #12 | $44,185 | 66 | $16,704 | Good | $24,323 | High | |
| #13 | $43,925 | 28 | $21,500 | Manageable | $17,781 | High | |
| #14 | Illinois CollegePrivate | $43,784 | 6 | $25,565 | Manageable | $22,975 | High |
| #15 | $43,474 | 72 | $22,162 | Manageable | $19,508 | High | |
| #16 | Augustana CollegePrivate | $43,344 | 5 | $27,000 | Manageable | $37,219 | High |
| #17 | Mckendree UniversityPrivate | $40,805 | 24 | $23,250 | Manageable | $22,582 | High |
| #18 | $39,362 | 15 | $25,251 | Challenging | $20,764 | High | |
| #19 | $38,639 | 35 | $20,500 | Manageable | $21,500 | High | |
| #20 | Chicago State UniversityPublic | $37,689 | 25 | $30,625 | High | $13,256 | High |
| #21 | $36,554 | 22 | $14,600 | Manageable | $13,578 | High | |
| #22 | Roosevelt UniversityPrivate | $35,600 | 14 | $22,000 | Challenging | $27,213 | 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 →
