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# Best Sociology Programs in the Midwest (2026)

Updated September 30, 2026

Part of [Best Social Sciences Colleges in the Midwest](/rankings/best-social-sciences-colleges-in-the-midwest/)

Regional list from [Best Sociology Programs in the United States](/rankings/best-sociology-programs/)

This page ranks 117 Sociology programs in the Midwest by median earnings of Sociology graduates four years after completing. [Northwestern University](/school/northwestern-university/majors/) leads the list with median earnings of $75,267 for its graduates four years after completing.

The figures span from $75,267 to $20,140, with a median of $49,166 across the listed schools. For 23 of the 117 programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one.

Public institutions account for 62% of the list, with 73 public and 44 private nonprofit schools represented. [University of Michigan-Ann Arbor](/school/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor/majors/) ranks 16th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. Indiana University-Kokomo posts the lowest average net price, at $3,968.

## The ranked list

117 schools in list order

| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Northwestern University · Evanston, IL | $75,267 | $29,167 | $1,764 | 7.7% |
|  | [Northwestern University](/school/northwestern-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $75,267](/school/northwestern-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 8%. |
| 2 | University of Notre Dame · Notre Dame, IN | $69,704 | $26,780 | $7,244 | 11.3% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [University of Notre Dame](/school/university-of-notre-dame/majors/) left with a [median of $19,000](/school/university-of-notre-dame/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school ranks 119th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 3 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, MI | $63,419 | $13,138 | $1,043 | 15.6% |
|  | [University of Michigan-Ann Arbor](/school/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor/majors/), a public university in Ann Arbor, posts [median earnings of $63,419](/school/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 4 | Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI | $62,204 | $19,680 | $7,068 | 84.8% |
|  | [Michigan State University](/school/michigan-state-university/majors/) [admits 85% of applicants](/school/michigan-state-university/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $19,680. |
| 5 | Loyola University Chicago · Chicago, IL | $61,429 | $36,079 | $28,992 | 81.6% |
|  | [Loyola University Chicago](/school/loyola-university-chicago/majors/) shows [median earnings of $61,429](/school/loyola-university-chicago/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, with a cohort of 40 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 6 | Miami University-Oxford · Oxford, OH | $61,149 | $28,384 | $16,015 | 75.4% |
|  | An [average net price of $16,015](/school/miami-university-oxford/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 coincides with median earnings of $61,149 for Sociology graduates at [Miami University-Oxford](/school/miami-university-oxford/majors/) four years after completing. |
| 7 | Franklin College · Franklin, IN | $58,827 | $22,855 | $14,790 | 69.8% |
|  | [Franklin College](/school/franklin-college/majors/) ranks 7th on this list and reports a school-wide [median federal debt of $27,000](/school/franklin-college/cost/) across all of its borrowers who completed. |
| 8 | Northern Illinois University · Dekalb, IL | $58,023 | $13,391 | $10,126 | 69.8% |
|  | [Northern Illinois University](/school/northern-illinois-university/majors/) posts [median earnings of $58,023](/school/northern-illinois-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing and ranks 116th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 9 | University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, WI | $58,007 | $17,354 | $4,200 | 45.2% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-Madison](/school/university-of-wisconsin-madison/majors/) [admits 45% of applicants](/school/university-of-wisconsin-madison/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $58,007 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 10 | Augustana College · Rock Island, IL | $57,943 | $22,736 | $15,787 | 62.7% |
|  | [Augustana College](/school/augustana-college/majors/) reports an [average net price of $22,736](/school/augustana-college/cost/) and a school-wide median federal debt of $27,000 across all of its borrowers who completed. |
| 11 | Cleveland State University · Cleveland, OH | $57,211 | $14,764 | $11,958 | 91.3% |
|  | [Cleveland State University](/school/cleveland-state-university/majors/) shows [median earnings of $57,211](/school/cleveland-state-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, with an admission rate of 91%. |
| 12 | John Carroll University · University Heights, OH | $57,173 | $28,746 | $19,945 | 80.9% |
|  | John Carroll University reports an average net price of $19,945 for families earning under $30,000 and a school-wide median federal debt of $26,000 across all of its borrowers who completed. |
| 13 | Marquette University · Milwaukee, WI | $57,131 | $31,487 | $22,269 | 81.3% |
|  | [Marquette University](/school/marquette-university/majors/) reports [$57,131 in median earnings](/school/marquette-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $22,269 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 14 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis, MN | $56,690 | $16,778 | $6,642 | 79.8% |
|  | [University of Minnesota-Twin Cities](/school/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities/majors/) [admits 80% of applicants](/school/university-of-minnesota-twin-cities/admissions/) and its Sociology graduates earn a median of $56,690 four years after completing. |
| 15 | Indiana University-Bloomington · Bloomington, IN | $56,591 | $16,264 | $6,324 | 78.2% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left [Indiana University-Bloomington](/school/indiana-university-bloomington/majors/) with a [median of $19,509](/school/indiana-university-bloomington/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school ranks 96th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 16 | North Central College · Naperville, IL | $56,281 | $21,044 | $12,507 | 77.3% |
|  | [North Central College](/school/north-central-college/majors/) ranks 16th on this list, with [median earnings of $56,281](/school/north-central-college/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 17 | The College of Wooster · Wooster, OH | $56,115 | $23,458 | $12,512 | 59.5% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Wooster, The College of Wooster has an average net price of $23,458 and a 17-graduate earnings cohort for Sociology. |
| 18 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus · Fargo, ND | $56,040 | $15,543 | $9,370 | 95.0% |
|  | [North Dakota State University-Main Campus](/school/north-dakota-state-university-main-campus/majors/) posts a 95% admission rate and [median earnings of $56,040](/school/north-dakota-state-university-main-campus/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 19 | Walsh University · North Canton, OH | $55,867 | $20,493 | $20,458 | 70.7% |
|  | Walsh University reports an average net price of $20,458 for families earning under $30,000, and its Sociology graduates earn a median of $55,867 four years after completing. |
| 20 | Iowa State University · Ames, IA | $55,714 | $18,589 | $10,582 | 88.7% |
|  | [Iowa State University](/school/iowa-state-university/majors/) [ranks 194th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/iowa-state-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, with a 31-graduate earnings cohort for Sociology. |
| 21 | Wayne State University · Detroit, MI | $55,499 | $12,766 | $11,090 | 81.2% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left [Wayne State University](/school/wayne-state-university/majors/) with a [median of $21,250](/school/wayne-state-university/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school's Sociology graduates earn a median of $55,499 four years after completing. |
| 22 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Champaign, IL | $55,393 | $14,355 | $2,038 | 42.4% |
|  | [University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign](/school/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign/majors/) [admits 42% of applicants](/school/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $2,038 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 23 | University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, MO | $55,098 | $20,268 | $13,841 | 78.5% |
|  | With a 39-graduate earnings cohort for Sociology, [University of Missouri-Columbia](/school/university-of-missouri-columbia/majors/) reports [median earnings of $55,098](/school/university-of-missouri-columbia/outcomes/) four years after completing. |
| 24 | Purdue University-Main Campus · West Lafayette, IN | $55,072 | $14,600 | $5,098 | 49.9% |
|  | [Purdue University-Main Campus](/school/purdue-university-main-campus/majors/) reports a 130-graduate earnings cohort for Sociology, and its graduates earn a [median of $55,072](/school/purdue-university-main-campus/outcomes/) four years after completing. |
| 25 | Dominican University · River Forest, IL | $54,686 | $11,745 | $9,759 | 90.3% |
|  | [Dominican University](/school/dominican-university/majors/), a private nonprofit university in River Forest, reports [median earnings of $54,686](/school/dominican-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, with 24 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 26 | University of Iowa · Iowa City, IA | $54,464 | $22,531 | $15,316 | 83.6% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [University of Iowa](/school/university-of-iowa/majors/) left with a [median of $22,500](/school/university-of-iowa/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school's Sociology completers earned a median of $54,464 four years after graduating. |
| 27 | University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago, IL | $53,962 | $10,974 | $7,529 | 77.4% |
|  | [University of Illinois Chicago](/school/university-of-illinois-chicago/majors/) [ranks 17th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-illinois-chicago/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $10,974 alongside median earnings of $53,962 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 28 | Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago, IL | $53,747 | $14,109 | $13,709 | 74.6% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 75%](/school/northeastern-illinois-university/admissions/), [Northeastern Illinois University](/school/northeastern-illinois-university/majors/) admits 75% of applicants and its Sociology graduates earned a median of $53,747 four years after completing. |
| 29 | University of Michigan-Flint · Flint, MI | $53,484 | $7,007 | $1,517 | 70.5% |
|  | [University of Michigan-Flint](/school/university-of-michigan-flint/majors/) posts an [average net price of $1,517](/school/university-of-michigan-flint/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, and its Sociology graduates earned a median of $53,484 four years after completing. |
| 30 | Beloit College · Beloit, WI | $53,351 | $21,526 | $15,176 | 63.0% |
|  | [Beloit College](/school/beloit-college/majors/) ranks 30th on this list, with [median earnings of $53,351](/school/beloit-college/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing and a school-wide median federal debt of $25,738 across all borrowers who completed. |
| 31 | University of Northern Iowa · Cedar Falls, IA | $53,198 | $15,901 | $10,863 | 92.7% |
|  | [University of Northern Iowa](/school/university-of-northern-iowa/majors/) reports an [average net price of $15,901](/school/university-of-northern-iowa/cost/) and median earnings of $53,198 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 32 | Elmhurst University · Elmhurst, IL | $53,075 | $24,185 | $17,892 | 73.6% |
|  | A private nonprofit institution in Elmhurst, [Elmhurst University](/school/elmhurst-university/majors/) shows [median earnings of $53,075](/school/elmhurst-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing and an admission rate of 74%. |
| 33 | DePaul University · Chicago, IL | $52,791 | $30,902 | $27,359 | 75.9% |
|  | [DePaul University](/school/depaul-university/majors/) graduates across all fields who borrowed left with a [median of $23,168](/school/depaul-university/outcomes/) in federal loans, while its Sociology completers earned a median of $52,791 four years after graduating. |
| 34 | Truman State University · Kirksville, MO | $52,584 | $12,780 | $6,046 | 83.8% |
|  | [Truman State University](/school/truman-state-university/majors/) [ranks 678th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/truman-state-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $6,046 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 35 | Saint Cloud State University · Saint Cloud, MN | $52,455 | $13,529 | $8,909 | 94.8% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 95%](/school/saint-cloud-state-university/admissions/), [Saint Cloud State University](/school/saint-cloud-state-university/majors/) admits 95% of applicants and its Sociology graduates earned a median of $52,455 four years after completing. |
| 36 | McKendree University · Lebanon, IL | $52,428 | $24,717 | $21,928 | 71.7% |
|  | McKendree University reports median earnings of $52,428 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, with 19 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 37 | Central College · Pella, IA | $51,996 | $23,377 | $16,231 | 86.2% |
|  | Central College, a private nonprofit institution in Pella, reports median earnings of $51,996 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, with 17 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 38 | South Dakota State University · Brookings, SD | $51,910 | $19,841 | $14,266 | 98.3% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [South Dakota State University](/school/south-dakota-state-university/majors/) left with a [median of $23,250](/school/south-dakota-state-university/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school's Sociology completers earn a median of $51,910 four years after completing. |
| 39 | Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo, MI | $51,835 | $15,273 | $5,263 | 84.6% |
|  | [Western Michigan University](/school/western-michigan-university/majors/) ranks 39th on this list and posts an [average net price of $5,263](/school/western-michigan-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000. |
| 40 | Minnesota State University-Mankato · Mankato, MN | $51,618 | $19,139 | $12,339 | 88.4% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 88%](/school/minnesota-state-university-mankato/admissions/), [Minnesota State University-Mankato](/school/minnesota-state-university-mankato/majors/) admits 88% of applicants and reports median earnings of $51,618 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 41 | Chicago State University · Chicago, IL | $51,485 | $12,335 | $9,073 | 43.3% |
|  | [Chicago State University](/school/chicago-state-university/majors/) sits 633rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Sociology graduates earn a [median of $51,485](/school/chicago-state-university/outcomes/) four years after completing. |
| 42 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville · Edwardsville, IL | $51,465 | $14,889 | $8,483 | 97.5% |
|  | [Southern Illinois University Edwardsville](/school/southern-illinois-university-edwardsville/majors/) reports an [average net price of $14,889](/school/southern-illinois-university-edwardsville/cost/) and median earnings of $51,465 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 43 | Ohio University-Main Campus · Athens, OH | $51,312 | $21,637 | $15,673 | 85.0% |
|  | [Ohio University-Main Campus](/school/ohio-university-main-campus/majors/) shows a [median of $21,056](/school/ohio-university-main-campus/outcomes/) in federal loans across all of the school's borrowers who completed, alongside median earnings of $51,312 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 44 | Kansas State University · Manhattan, KS | $51,237 | $19,406 | $13,178 | 81.7% |
|  | [Kansas State University](/school/kansas-state-university/majors/) ranks 44th on this list, with 55 graduates in the earnings cohort and a [median of $51,237](/school/kansas-state-university/outcomes/) four years after completing. |
| 45 | Illinois State University · Normal, IL | $51,000 | $19,398 | $11,568 | 88.2% |
|  | [Illinois State University](/school/illinois-state-university/majors/) posts an [average net price of $11,568](/school/illinois-state-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and sits 137th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 46 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater · Whitewater, WI | $50,827 | $14,158 | $8,440 | 85.7% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-Whitewater](/school/university-of-wisconsin-whitewater/majors/) reports [median earnings of $50,827](/school/university-of-wisconsin-whitewater/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, with an admission rate of 86%. |
| 47 | Northern State University · Aberdeen, SD | $50,765 | $15,812 | $10,762 | 93.0% |
|  | Northern State University shows a median of $22,320 in federal loans across all of the school's borrowers who completed, and its Sociology graduates earn a median of $50,765 four years after completing. |
| 48 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse · La Crosse, WI | $50,737 | $16,210 | $8,224 | 75.5% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-La Crosse](/school/university-of-wisconsin-la-crosse/majors/) ranks 48th on this list and reports an [average net price of $16,210](/school/university-of-wisconsin-la-crosse/cost/). |
| 49 | Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus, OH | $50,457 | $17,339 | $4,885 | 60.6% |
|  | [Ohio State University-Main Campus](/school/ohio-state-university-main-campus/majors/) reports [median earnings of $50,457](/school/ohio-state-university-main-campus/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, and an average net price of $4,885 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 50 | Hope College · Holland, MI | $50,222 | $27,182 | $17,606 | 79.2% |
|  | A private nonprofit institution in Holland, [Hope College](/school/hope-college/majors/) ranks 50th on this list and shows a school-wide [median federal debt of $26,800](/school/hope-college/cost/) across all of its borrowers who completed. |
| 51 | University of Minnesota-Duluth · Duluth, MN | $50,174 | $18,743 | $7,256 | 88.8% |
|  | [University of Minnesota-Duluth](/school/university-of-minnesota-duluth/majors/) [admits 89% of applicants](/school/university-of-minnesota-duluth/admissions/) and its Sociology graduates earned a median of $50,174 four years after completing. |
| 52 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus · Cincinnati, OH | $50,165 | $25,648 | $17,974 | 85.3% |
|  | With an [Azimuth composite rank of 250th](/school/university-of-cincinnati-main-campus/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, [University of Cincinnati-Main Campus](/school/university-of-cincinnati-main-campus/majors/) posts median earnings of $50,165 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 53 | Western Illinois University · Macomb, IL | $50,080 | $12,937 | $6,941 | 71.2% |
|  | [Western Illinois University](/school/western-illinois-university/majors/) reports an [average net price of $12,937](/school/western-illinois-university/cost/) and median earnings of $50,080 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 54 | University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City, MO | $49,936 | $13,310 | $10,576 | 72.2% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [University of Missouri-Kansas City](/school/university-of-missouri-kansas-city/majors/) left with a [median of $18,750](/school/university-of-missouri-kansas-city/outcomes/) in federal loans, while the Sociology program reports median earnings of $49,936 four years after completing. |
| 55 | Black Hills State University · Spearfish, SD | $49,833 | $15,911 | $11,863 | 96.3% |
|  | Black Hills State University ranks 55th on this list, with an admission rate of 96% and median earnings of $49,833 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 56 | University of North Dakota · Grand Forks, ND | $49,665 | $18,551 | $13,126 | 76.9% |
|  | [University of North Dakota](/school/university-of-north-dakota/majors/) reports [median earnings of $49,665](/school/university-of-north-dakota/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $13,126 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 57 | Columbia College · Columbia, MO | $49,542 | $22,715 | $23,967 | Not reported |
|  | A private nonprofit institution in Columbia, [Columbia College](/school/columbia-college/majors/) shows a school-wide [median federal debt of $23,879](/school/columbia-college/cost/) across all of its borrowers who completed and an average net price of $22,715. |
| 58 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee, WI | $49,486 | $15,014 | $10,329 | 90.7% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee](/school/university-of-wisconsin-milwaukee/majors/) [admits 91% of applicants](/school/university-of-wisconsin-milwaukee/admissions/) and its Sociology graduates earned a median of $49,486 four years after completing. |
| 59 | Winona State University · Winona, MN | $49,166 | $17,503 | $10,224 | 75.5% |
|  | With an [Azimuth composite rank of 579th](/school/winona-state-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, [Winona State University](/school/winona-state-university/majors/) posts median earnings of $49,166 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 60 | Eastern Illinois University · Charleston, IL | $48,925 | $12,786 | $9,828 | 65.4% |
|  | [Eastern Illinois University](/school/eastern-illinois-university/majors/) reports an [average net price of $9,828](/school/eastern-illinois-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $48,925 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 61 | Purdue University Northwest · Hammond, IN | $48,830 | $6,079 | $1,432 | 72.4% |
|  | [Purdue University Northwest](/school/purdue-university-northwest/majors/) reports [median earnings of $48,830](/school/purdue-university-northwest/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, with 19 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 62 | Capital University · Columbus, OH | $48,785 | $22,576 | $19,062 | 70.2% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Columbus, [Capital University](/school/capital-university/majors/) ranks 62nd on this list and shows an [admission rate of 70%](/school/capital-university/admissions/). |
| 63 | Doane University · Crete, NE | $48,705 | $26,364 | $21,129 | 98.0% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at Doane University left with a median of $25,000 in federal loans, and the school's Sociology completers earned a median of $48,705 four years after completing. |
| 64 | Grand Valley State University · Allendale, MI | $48,664 | $16,317 | $12,272 | 83.0% |
|  | [Grand Valley State University](/school/grand-valley-state-university/majors/) posts an [average net price of $16,317](/school/grand-valley-state-university/cost/) and median earnings of $48,664 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 65 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point · Stevens Point, WI | $48,451 | $14,559 | $8,833 | 91.8% |
|  | With 58 graduates in the earnings cohort, [University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point](/school/university-of-wisconsin-stevens-point/majors/) reports [median earnings of $48,451](/school/university-of-wisconsin-stevens-point/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 66 | University of Chicago · Chicago, IL | $48,432 | $14,860 | \-$1,264\* | 4.5% |
|  | [University of Chicago](/school/university-of-chicago/majors/) [admits 4% of applicants](/school/university-of-chicago/admissions/) and ranks 38th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 67 | Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant, MI | $48,389 | $17,597 | $12,185 | 89.8% |
|  | [Central Michigan University](/school/central-michigan-university/majors/) ranks 67th on this list, with [median earnings of $48,389](/school/central-michigan-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $17,597. |
| 68 | Saint Norbert College · De Pere, WI | $48,357 | $26,172 | $19,721 | 85.7% |
|  | A private nonprofit college in De Pere, Saint Norbert College shows median earnings of $48,357 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 69 | University of Kansas · Lawrence, KS | $48,146 | $18,059 | $12,544 | 93.5% |
|  | [University of Kansas](/school/university-of-kansas/majors/) reports an [average net price of $18,059](/school/university-of-kansas/cost/) and median earnings of $48,146 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 70 | Oakland University · Rochester Hills, MI | $47,873 | $9,120 | $4,422 | 87.8% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [Oakland University](/school/oakland-university/majors/) left with a [median of $22,750](/school/oakland-university/outcomes/) in federal loans, and the school's Sociology completers earned a median of $47,873 four years after completing. |
| 71 | University of Nebraska at Omaha · Omaha, NE | $47,763 | $13,441 | $10,534 | 87.0% |
|  | [University of Nebraska at Omaha](/school/university-of-nebraska-at-omaha/majors/) [ranks 186th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/university-of-nebraska-at-omaha/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $47,763 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 72 | University of Dayton · Dayton, OH | $47,745 | $29,533 | $21,736 | 65.5% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed at [University of Dayton](/school/university-of-dayton/majors/) left with a [median of $23,250](/school/university-of-dayton/outcomes/) in federal loans, alongside median earnings of $47,745 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 73 | Hamline University · Saint Paul, MN | $46,877 | $20,744 | $15,371 | 87.6% |
|  | [Hamline University](/school/hamline-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $46,877](/school/hamline-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, with an average net price of $20,744. |
| 74 | Minnesota State University Moorhead · Moorhead, MN | $46,439 | $17,997 | $11,129 | 58.8% |
|  | [Minnesota State University Moorhead](/school/minnesota-state-university-moorhead/majors/) [admits 59% of applicants](/school/minnesota-state-university-moorhead/admissions/) and its Sociology graduates earn a median of $46,439 four years after completing. |
| 75 | University of Wisconsin-Parkside · Kenosha, WI | $46,005 | $11,772 | $7,425 | 75.4% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left [University of Wisconsin-Parkside](/school/university-of-wisconsin-parkside/majors/) with a [median of $20,492](/school/university-of-wisconsin-parkside/outcomes/) in federal loans, while its Sociology completers report median earnings of $46,005 four years after completing. |
| 76 | University of Central Missouri · Warrensburg, MO | $45,862 | $14,462 | $10,965 | 63.8% |
|  | [University of Central Missouri](/school/university-of-central-missouri/majors/) ranks 76th on this list and posts an [average net price of $10,965](/school/university-of-central-missouri/cost/) for families earning under $30,000. |
| 77 | University of Wisconsin-River Falls · River Falls, WI | $45,741 | $14,054 | $8,472 | 81.7% |
|  | An [average net price of $8,472](/school/university-of-wisconsin-river-falls/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 coincides with a Sociology earnings cohort of 26 graduates at [University of Wisconsin-River Falls](/school/university-of-wisconsin-river-falls/majors/). |
| 78 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln · Lincoln, NE | $45,674 | $17,747 | $12,751 | 87.5% |
|  | [University of Nebraska-Lincoln](/school/university-of-nebraska-lincoln/majors/) reports [median earnings of $45,674](/school/university-of-nebraska-lincoln/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 87%. |
| 79 | Emporia State University · Emporia, KS | $45,661 | $16,261 | $11,452 | 97.7% |
|  | Emporia State University admits 98% of applicants and its Sociology completers earn a median of $45,661 four years after completing. |
| 80 | Indiana University-Southeast · New Albany, IN | $45,610 | $7,888 | $3,782 | 84.5% |
|  | [Indiana University-Southeast](/school/indiana-university-southeast/majors/) carries an [average net price of $3,782](/school/indiana-university-southeast/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, and its Sociology graduates earn a median of $45,610 four years after completing. |
| 81 | Wittenberg University · Springfield, OH | $44,809 | $18,649 | $17,609 | 72.4% |
|  | Wittenberg University ranks 1175th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, with median earnings of $44,809 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 82 | Fort Hays State University · Hays, KS | $44,405 | $12,569 | $7,661 | 90.3% |
|  | [Fort Hays State University](/school/fort-hays-state-university/majors/) reports a Sociology earnings cohort of 38 graduates and a [median of $44,405](/school/fort-hays-state-university/outcomes/) four years after completing. |
| 83 | Wright State University-Main Campus · Dayton, OH | $44,227 | $15,415 | $11,952 | 96.3% |
|  | Graduates across all fields who borrowed left [Wright State University-Main Campus](/school/wright-state-university-main-campus/majors/) with a [median of $22,750](/school/wright-state-university-main-campus/outcomes/) in federal loans, and its Sociology completers earn a median of $44,227 four years after completing. |
| 84 | Bradley University · Peoria, IL | $43,798 | $22,719 | $17,269 | 76.8% |
|  | [Bradley University](/school/bradley-university/majors/) posts an [average net price of $17,269](/school/bradley-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, with median earnings of $43,798 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 85 | Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis, IN | $43,678 | $11,668 | $5,701 | 76.4% |
|  | [Indiana University-Indianapolis](/school/indiana-university-indianapolis/majors/) reports [median earnings of $43,678](/school/indiana-university-indianapolis/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $11,668. |
| 86 | Shawnee State University · Portsmouth, OH | $43,602 | $14,381 | $12,310 | Not reported |
|  | The median federal debt across all of Shawnee State University's borrowers who completed is $23,000, and its Sociology graduates earned a median of $43,602 four years after completing. |
| 87 | Missouri State University-Springfield · Springfield, MO | $43,425 | $17,613 | $13,718 | 90.5% |
|  | [Missouri State University-Springfield](/school/missouri-state-university-springfield/majors/) [admits 91% of applicants](/school/missouri-state-university-springfield/admissions/) and ranks 589th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 88 | Wichita State University · Wichita, KS | $42,450 | $13,194 | $9,734 | 94.0% |
|  | [Wichita State University](/school/wichita-state-university/majors/) ranks 88th on this list, with [median earnings of $42,450](/school/wichita-state-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 89 | Eastern Michigan University · Ypsilanti, MI | $41,831 | $15,407 | $13,250 | 79.6% |
|  | [Eastern Michigan University](/school/eastern-michigan-university/majors/) posts an [average net price of $13,250](/school/eastern-michigan-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000, and its Sociology graduates earn a median of $41,831 four years after completing. |
| 90 | Missouri Southern State University · Joplin, MO | $40,957 | $12,007 | $9,759 | 97.0% |
|  | [Missouri Southern State University](/school/missouri-southern-state-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $40,957](/school/missouri-southern-state-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, with a cohort of 13 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 91 | Kent State University at Kent · Kent, OH | $40,217 | $20,787 | $15,280 | 86.3% |
|  | [Kent State University at Kent](/school/kent-state-university-at-kent/majors/) [ranks 415th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/kent-state-university-at-kent/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Sociology graduates earn a median of $40,217 four years after completing. |
| 92 | University of Missouri-St Louis · Saint Louis, MO | $39,878 | $15,071 | $13,031 | 62.7% |
|  | [University of Missouri-St Louis](/school/university-of-missouri-st-louis/majors/) [admits 63% of applicants](/school/university-of-missouri-st-louis/admissions/), and the median federal debt across all of its borrowers who completed is $20,000. |
| 93 | Hanover College · Hanover, IN | $39,729 | $21,829 | $16,832 | 83.7% |
|  | Hanover College, a private nonprofit institution, reports median earnings of $39,729 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 94 | Hiram College · Hiram, OH | $39,277 | $21,058 | $16,550 | 93.5% |
|  | Hiram College posts an average net price of $21,058, and its Sociology graduates earn a median of $39,277 four years after completing. |
| 95 | Ball State University · Muncie, IN | $38,857 | $14,940 | $7,834 | 85.5% |
|  | [Ball State University](/school/ball-state-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $38,857](/school/ball-state-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $7,834 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 96 | Bowling Green State University-Main Campus · Bowling Green, OH | $38,346 | $24,022 | $18,396 | 81.0% |
|  | [Bowling Green State University-Main Campus](/school/bowling-green-state-university-main-campus/majors/) ranks 96th on this list, and its Sociology graduates earn a [median of $38,346](/school/bowling-green-state-university-main-campus/outcomes/) four years after completing. |
| 97 | Indiana University-Kokomo · Kokomo, IN | $37,208 | $3,968 | \-$583\* | 86.5% |
|  | [Indiana University-Kokomo](/school/indiana-university-kokomo/majors/) carries the lowest average net price on this list at $3,968 and reports [median earnings of $37,208](/school/indiana-university-kokomo/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 98 | Illinois Wesleyan University · Bloomington, IL | $36,674 | $28,199 | $17,732 | 39.3% |
|  | Illinois Wesleyan University admits 39% of applicants and shows an average net price of $17,732 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 99 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire · Eau Claire, WI | $36,421 | $16,550 | $10,270 | 82.3% |
|  | [University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire](/school/university-of-wisconsin-eau-claire/majors/) reports [median federal debt of $20,909](/school/university-of-wisconsin-eau-claire/cost/) across all of its borrowers who completed, alongside median earnings of $36,421 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 100 | DePauw University · Greencastle, IN | $36,312 | $22,264 | $11,820 | 57.2% |
|  | [DePauw University](/school/depauw-university/majors/) ranks 100th on this list and posts an [average net price of $22,264](/school/depauw-university/cost/). |
| 101 | Carthage College · Kenosha, WI | $36,134 | $26,565 | $23,293 | 87.1% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 87%](/school/carthage-college/admissions/), [Carthage College](/school/carthage-college/majors/) reports median earnings of $36,134 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 102 | Roosevelt University · Chicago, IL | $35,600 | $20,194 | $18,018 | 97.2% |
|  | [Roosevelt University](/school/roosevelt-university/majors/) [ranks 699th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/roosevelt-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and shows an average net price of $18,018 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 103 | Grinnell College · Grinnell, IA | $33,993 | $17,648 | $9,970 | 14.5% |
|  | [Grinnell College](/school/grinnell-college/majors/) [admits 15% of applicants](/school/grinnell-college/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $33,993 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 104 | Augsburg University · Minneapolis, MN | $33,993 | $23,873 | $21,318 | 82.0% |
|  | [Augsburg University](/school/augsburg-university/majors/) [ranks 361st on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/augsburg-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and posts an average net price of $23,873. |
| 105 | Gustavus Adolphus College · Saint Peter, MN | $33,993 | $22,900 | $12,015 | 61.0% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 61%](/school/gustavus-adolphus-college/admissions/), [Gustavus Adolphus College](/school/gustavus-adolphus-college/majors/) shows an average net price of $12,015 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 106 | Drake University · Des Moines, IA | $33,993 | $29,127 | $25,824 | 63.9% |
|  | [Drake University](/school/drake-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $33,993](/school/drake-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing and carries an average net price of $29,127. |
| 107 | Simpson College · Indianola, IA | $32,925 | $21,936 | $17,941 | 86.2% |
|  | [Simpson College](/school/simpson-college/majors/) [ranks 1042nd on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/simpson-college/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $32,925 four years after completing. |
| 108 | Southwest Minnesota State University · Marshall, MN | $32,925 | $15,291 | $10,559 | 62.2% |
|  | [Southwest Minnesota State University](/school/southwest-minnesota-state-university/majors/) shows an [average net price of $10,559](/school/southwest-minnesota-state-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and reports median earnings of $32,925 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 109 | Augustana University · Sioux Falls, SD | $32,569 | $23,894 | $18,746 | 67.8% |
|  | Augustana University reports median earnings of $32,569 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, with 6 graduates in the earnings cohort. |
| 110 | Saint Ambrose University · Davenport, IA | $32,382 | $24,691 | $22,037 | 77.3% |
|  | Saint Ambrose University has an admission rate of 77% and carries an average net price of $24,691. |
| 111 | Hastings College · Hastings, NE | $32,382 | $24,452 | $21,646 | 71.7% |
|  | Hastings College ranks 1374th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and shows an average net price of $21,646 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 112 | Coe College · Cedar Rapids, IA | $30,988 | $18,745 | $11,479 | 64.0% |
|  | Coe College posts median earnings of $30,988 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 64%. |
| 113 | University of Akron Main Campus · Akron, OH | $30,228 | $13,946 | $10,413 | 59.7% |
|  | [University of Akron Main Campus](/school/university-of-akron-main-campus/majors/) reports an [average net price of $13,946](/school/university-of-akron-main-campus/cost/) and median earnings of $30,228 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 114 | Calvin University · Grand Rapids, MI | $28,598 | $22,992 | $19,281 | 70.9% |
|  | [Calvin University](/school/calvin-university/majors/) ranks 114th on this list, with [median earnings of $28,598](/school/calvin-university/outcomes/) for its Sociology graduates four years after completing. |
| 115 | Oberlin College · Oberlin, OH | $28,236 | $38,645 | $18,774 | 34.2% |
|  | [Oberlin College](/school/oberlin-college/majors/) has an [admission rate of 34%](/school/oberlin-college/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $18,774 for families earning under $30,000. |
| 116 | Saginaw Valley State University · University Center, MI | $25,596 | $10,775 | $9,844 | 72.1% |
|  | [Saginaw Valley State University](/school/saginaw-valley-state-university/majors/) carries an [average net price of $10,775](/school/saginaw-valley-state-university/cost/) and ranks 360th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
| 117 | Albion College · Albion, MI | $20,140 | $14,301 | $10,036 | 80.7% |
|  | Albion College reports median earnings of $20,140 for its Sociology graduates four years after completing, with 11 graduates in the earnings cohort. |

\* Net price can be negative: when grants and scholarships exceed the listed cost of attendance, students can receive the difference as a refund for other expenses.

## How this list is ordered

Programs are ordered by the median earnings of their Sociology graduates four years after completing, highest first. Only programs with a reported earnings cohort in the Midwest appear. The figure captures federally aided completers of a Sociology program who were working and not enrolled, measured four years after completing. For 23 of the 117 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. The metric does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The gap from Northwestern University to University of Notre Dame is $5,563, and the spread from the top of the list to the bottom reaches $55,127.

## Related rankings

-   [Best Sociology Programs in the United States](/rankings/best-sociology-programs/)
-   [Best Colleges in the Midwest](/rankings/best-colleges-in-the-midwest/)
-   [Best Sociology Programs in the Northeast](/rankings/best-sociology-programs-in-the-northeast/)
-   [Best Sociology Programs in the South](/rankings/best-sociology-programs-in-the-south/)
-   [Best Sociology Programs in the West](/rankings/best-sociology-programs-in-the-west/)
-   [Best Social Sciences Colleges in the Midwest](/rankings/best-social-sciences-colleges-in-the-midwest/)