Compare 33 Sociology. programs in Pennsylvania. Average earnings: $41,408.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Sociology tells a different story. Across 33 programs in Pennsylvania, earnings range from $38,977 to $68,680—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Villanova University's Sociology program leads with graduates earning $68,680, significantly outpacing the state average of $41,408. Franklin And Marshall College follows at $54,897, with Bucknell University close behind at $54,448. This $29K spread between top and bottom programs proves that institutional prestige doesn't guarantee program outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Villanova graduates borrow $25,874 and face just a 7.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making it both the top-earning and most affordable program for students.
Highest program earnings: $68,680
Strong outcomes ($53,597) with 93% acceptance
7.7% payment burden | Excellent
21.4% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Villanova UniversityPrivate | $68,680 | 11 | $25,874 | Excellent | $40,000 | Challenging |
| #2 | $54,897 | 25 | $19,000 | Good | $51,114 | High | |
| #3 | Bucknell UniversityPrivate | $54,448 | 21 | $27,000 | Good | $62,750 | High |
| #4 | $53,597 | 29 | $24,218 | Good | $25,252 | Challenging | |
| #5 | Westminster CollegePrivate | $52,150 | 9 | $26,060 | Manageable | $26,086 | High |
| #6 | Albright CollegePrivate | $50,008 | 16 | $27,000 | Manageable | $31,921 | High |
| #7 | $48,984 | 51 | $25,000 | Manageable | $38,368 | High | |
| #8 | King's CollegePrivate | $46,955 | 13 | $27,000 | Manageable | $35,000 | High |
| #9 | $46,852 | 14 | $21,785 | Manageable | $20,647 | High | |
| #10 | $46,323 | 37 | $23,507 | Manageable | $29,193 | High | |
| #11 | Duquesne UniversityPrivate | $46,134 | 18 | $26,244 | Manageable | $57,511 | High |
| #12 | Thiel CollegePrivate | $45,268 | 6 | $27,000 | Manageable | $47,131 | High |
| #13 | Dickinson CollegePrivate | $44,356 | 16 | $19,000 | Good | $45,729 | High |
| #14 | $43,888 | 23 | $26,000 | Manageable | $26,389 | High | |
| #15 | Temple UniversityPublic | $43,052 | 39 | $24,395 | Manageable | $36,495 | High |
| #16 | $42,212 | 16 | $26,000 | Challenging | $26,233 | High | |
| #17 | Moravian UniversityPrivate | $41,862 | 26 | $26,793 | Challenging | $48,375 | High |
| #18 | $39,427 | 21 | $25,000 | Challenging | $28,373 | High | |
| #19 | Wilkes UniversityPrivate | $39,205 | 14 | $26,000 | Challenging | $29,898 | High |
| #20 | $38,977 | 78 | $24,250 | Challenging | $35,031 | High | |
| #21 | Saint Joseph's UniversityPrivate | $38,289 | 11 | $25,500 | Challenging | $42,436 | High |
| #22 | Susquehanna UniversityPrivate | $38,289 | 9 | $27,000 | Challenging | $46,359 | High |
| #23 | $36,470 | 32 | $26,798 | High | $26,073 | High | |
| #24 | Gettysburg CollegePrivate | $36,396 | 16 | $26,999 | High | $62,000 | High |
| #25 | La Salle UniversityPrivate | $36,319 | 18 | $25,000 | Challenging | $31,871 | 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 →
