Compare 12 Sociology. programs in South Carolina. Average earnings: $36,253.
Sociology programs produce graduates earning between $28,598 and $44,831—a $16K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 12 ranked programs in South Carolina, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
College of Charleston's Sociology program leads with graduates earning $44,831, well above the state average of $36,253. Following close behind, Clemson University delivers $42,405 despite its selective 38% admission rate, while University of South Carolina-Columbia produces $41,963. The data shows regional publics competing effectively regardless of overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. College of Charleston graduates borrow $23,250 and face a 14.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. For families including parent loans, Lander University leads with a 37.4% family burden, though all top programs fall into the 'High burden' category when parent borrowing is included.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College Of CharlestonPublic | $44,831 | 50 | $23,250 | Manageable | $35,971 | High |
| #2 | Clemson UniversityPublic | $42,405 | 52 | $21,500 | Manageable | $35,463 | High |
| #3 | $41,963 | 34 | $21,500 | Manageable | $31,393 | High | |
| #4 | Lander UniversityPublic | $38,892 | 19 | $25,000 | Challenging | $16,919 | High |
| #5 | $38,547 | 46 | $23,750 | Challenging | $35,414 | High | |
| #6 | Winthrop UniversityPublic | $35,309 | 28 | $26,975 | High | $23,888 | High |
| #7 | $35,125 | 17 | $24,275 | High | $15,976 | High | |
| #8 | $34,687 | 14 | $22,310 | High | $14,836 | High | |
| #9 | $33,774 | 15 | $27,000 | High | $17,787 | High | |
| #10 | Claflin UniversityPrivate | $31,220 | 15 | $29,000 | High | $24,579 | High |
| #11 | Furman UniversityPrivate | $29,685 | 22 | $23,250 | High | $54,750 | High |
| #12 | Coker UniversityPrivate | $28,598 | 13 | $26,000 | High | $17,500 | 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 →
