Compare 120 Sociology. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $41,249.
The highest-earning Sociology program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a 23K earnings gap across 120 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
University Of Notre Dame's Sociology program leads with graduates earning $71,102—significantly above the $41,249 average across all programs. University Of Dubuque follows at $63,868 with 87% acceptance, proving accessible programs can deliver strong outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Notre Dame graduates borrow $19,000 and face just a 5.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, Minnesota State University Moorhead leads with a 16.1% family burden—manageable for most households.
Highest program earnings: $71,102
Strong outcomes ($63,868) with 87% acceptance
5.4% payment burden | Excellent
16.1% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $71,102 | 35 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Challenging |
| #2 | University Of DubuquePrivate | $63,868 | 9 | $25,750 | Good | $21,000 | Manageable |
| #3 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $59,875 | 11 | $27,000 | Good | $41,405 | High |
| #4 | $53,766 | 91 | $23,250 | Good | $37,401 | High | |
| #5 | $52,892 | 97 | $20,484 | Good | $28,364 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $52,288 | 139 | $19,500 | Good | $30,250 | High | |
| #7 | University Of KansasPublic | $52,185 | 28 | $21,000 | Good | $32,347 | High |
| #8 | Capital UniversityPrivate | $51,861 | 6 | $26,889 | Manageable | $28,132 | High |
| #9 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | $51,590 | 43 | $24,157 | Good | $54,045 | High |
| #10 | Saint Xavier UniversityPrivate | $51,583 | 9 | $22,223 | Good | $20,742 | Challenging |
| #11 | University Of DaytonPrivate | $51,435 | 17 | $23,250 | Good | $43,810 | High |
| #12 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $50,992 | 45 | $22,869 | Good | $25,950 | High |
| #13 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $50,794 | 41 | $23,168 | Good | $41,563 | High |
| #14 | $50,722 | 48 | $21,000 | Good | $25,798 | Challenging | |
| #15 | $50,586 | 84 | $19,500 | Good | $25,729 | Challenging | |
| #16 | Grinnell CollegePrivate | $50,389 | 23 | $17,500 | Good | $36,324 | High |
| #17 | Hope CollegePrivate | $50,294 | 25 | $26,800 | Manageable | $48,059 | High |
| #18 | Illinois Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | $49,774 | 6 | $27,000 | Manageable | $47,679 | High |
| #19 | $49,414 | 15 | $20,000 | Good | $10,000 | Manageable | |
| #20 | John Carroll UniversityPrivate | $48,903 | 10 | $26,000 | Manageable | $39,285 | High |
| #21 | Hastings CollegePrivate | $48,453 | 9 | $27,000 | Manageable | $27,500 | High |
| #22 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | $48,432 | 31 | $15,000 | Excellent | $33,297 | High |
| #23 | $48,082 | 76 | $20,482 | Good | $28,767 | High | |
| #24 | Ball State UniversityPublic | $47,535 | 38 | $23,250 | Manageable | $20,800 | High |
| #25 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | $47,382 | 48 | $23,000 | Manageable | $34,512 | 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 →
