Compare 14 Sociology. programs in Michigan. Average earnings: $39,102.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Sociology tells a different story. Across 14 programs in Michigan, earnings range from $20,140 to $53,766—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Michigan State University's Sociology program leads with graduates earning $53,766, well above the state average of $39,102. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor follows at $52,288, while Hope College reaches $50,294—demonstrating that strong outcomes aren't limited to the most selective institutions.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates borrow $19,500 and face just a 9.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. Michigan State achieves similar affordability with a 10.2% burden, proving top programs can remain accessible.
Highest program earnings: $53,766
Strong outcomes with 84% acceptance
9.0% payment burden | Good
25.1% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $53,766 | 91 | $23,250 | Good | $37,401 | High | |
| #2 | $52,288 | 139 | $19,500 | Good | $30,250 | High | |
| #3 | Hope CollegePrivate | $50,294 | 25 | $26,800 | Manageable | $48,059 | High |
| #4 | $47,199 | 34 | $26,188 | Manageable | $22,488 | High | |
| #5 | $42,878 | 27 | $24,500 | Manageable | $26,392 | High | |
| #6 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $42,720 | 55 | $21,250 | Manageable | $16,378 | High |
| #7 | Oakland UniversityPublic | $41,299 | 18 | $22,750 | Manageable | $17,858 | High |
| #8 | $39,894 | 48 | $27,000 | Challenging | $23,103 | High | |
| #9 | $36,077 | 12 | $25,000 | High | $18,264 | High | |
| #10 | $36,028 | 15 | $25,000 | High | $16,878 | High | |
| #11 | $33,485 | 7 | $25,000 | High | $12,953 | High | |
| #12 | Calvin UniversityPrivate | $28,598 | 11 | $23,250 | High | $33,900 | High |
| #13 | $22,766 | 12 | $21,474 | High | $17,287 | High | |
| #14 | Albion CollegePrivate | $20,140 | 12 | $27,000 | High | $32,317 | 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 →
