Compare 173 Sociology. programs in the South. Average earnings: $39,111.
Sociology programs produce graduates earning between $51,279 and $67,034—a $16K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 173 ranked programs in the South, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Miami's Sociology program leads with graduates earning $67,034, significantly above the $39,111 regional average. American University follows at $65,245, while Wake Forest rounds out the top three at $57,671. These results show selective programs can deliver premium outcomes regardless of broader school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Miami graduates borrow $17,500 and face just a 5.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, UT Arlington leads with a 14.9% family burden, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of MiamiPrivate | $67,034 | 35 | $17,500 | Excellent | $37,267 | Challenging |
| #2 | American UniversityPrivate | $65,245 | 15 | $22,750 | Excellent | $39,169 | Challenging |
| #3 | Wake Forest UniversityPrivate | $57,671 | 51 | $21,500 | Good | $30,000 | Challenging |
| #4 | Emory UniversityPrivate | $56,032 | 48 | $18,250 | Excellent | $30,480 | Challenging |
| #5 | $56,011 | 86 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Challenging | |
| #6 | University Of DelawarePublic | $54,885 | 32 | $24,572 | Good | $43,000 | High |
| #7 | $53,818 | 5 | $26,000 | Good | $50,215 | High | |
| #8 | $53,737 | 60 | $20,500 | Good | $33,574 | High | |
| #9 | Duke UniversityPrivate | $53,607 | 45 | $13,000 | Excellent | $27,998 | Challenging |
| #10 | Mcdaniel CollegePrivate | $53,319 | 20 | $25,000 | Good | $31,791 | High |
| #11 | $53,258 | 79 | $19,000 | Good | $35,200 | High | |
| #12 | $53,118 | 150 | $20,500 | Good | $26,632 | Challenging | |
| #13 | Bowie State UniversityPublic | $53,090 | 53 | $22,985 | Good | $23,158 | Challenging |
| #14 | Georgetown UniversityPrivate | $52,967 | 34 | $15,500 | Excellent | $33,944 | Challenging |
| #15 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $51,971 | 28 | $21,000 | Good | $43,605 | High |
| #16 | $51,888 | 24 | $21,105 | Good | $21,004 | Challenging | |
| #17 | $51,806 | 12 | $21,000 | Good | $36,119 | High | |
| #18 | $51,739 | 36 | $17,527 | Good | $12,313 | Manageable | |
| #19 | Texas Lutheran UniversityPrivate | $51,559 | 10 | $25,000 | Good | $21,678 | Challenging |
| #20 | $51,279 | 93 | $14,000 | Excellent | $25,072 | Challenging | |
| #21 | Shepherd UniversityPublic | $51,084 | 13 | $21,600 | Good | $21,546 | Challenging |
| #22 | William & MaryPublic | $50,750 | 31 | $18,500 | Good | $30,326 | High |
| #23 | George Washington UniversityPrivate | $50,452 | 30 | $20,449 | Good | $30,881 | High |
| #24 | $50,374 | 46 | $20,500 | Good | $26,240 | Challenging | |
| #25 | University Of HoustonPublic | $49,979 | 51 | $18,194 | Good | $18,072 | Challenging |
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 →
