Compare 17 Sociology. programs in Virginia. Average earnings: $40,089.
Sociology programs produce graduates earning between $23,693 and $56,011—a $32K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 17 ranked programs in Virginia, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Virginia-Main Campus leads with graduates earning $56,011, well above the state average of $40,089. William & Mary follows at $50,750, while University of Mary Washington reaches $50,374—proving that program-level factors drive outcomes more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Virginia graduates borrow $17,500 and face just a 7.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making the program easily affordable despite strong outcomes.
Highest program earnings: $56,011
Strong outcomes ($50,374) with 86% acceptance
7.2% payment burden | Excellent
20.8% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $56,011 | 86 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Challenging | |
| #2 | William & MaryPublic | $50,750 | 31 | $18,500 | Good | $30,326 | High |
| #3 | $50,374 | 46 | $20,500 | Good | $26,240 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $49,104 | 75 | $25,000 | Manageable | $44,122 | High | |
| #5 | $47,684 | 187 | $21,500 | Good | $35,325 | High | |
| #6 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $47,477 | 31 | $19,500 | Good | $25,142 | High |
| #7 | James Madison UniversityPublic | $47,038 | 36 | $20,093 | Good | $37,285 | High |
| #8 | Old Dominion UniversityPublic | $42,426 | 83 | $24,000 | Manageable | $18,866 | High |
| #9 | Randolph-Macon CollegePrivate | $42,175 | 18 | $27,000 | Challenging | $46,254 | High |
| #10 | $41,591 | 70 | $21,500 | Manageable | $23,585 | High | |
| #11 | Emory & Henry UniversityPrivate | $35,559 | 13 | $26,332 | High | $32,472 | High |
| #12 | Radford UniversityPublic | $35,243 | 12 | $24,000 | High | $22,158 | High |
| #13 | Bridgewater CollegePrivate | $32,467 | 11 | $26,000 | High | $37,735 | High |
| #14 | Longwood UniversityPublic | $27,681 | 42 | $25,000 | High | $36,395 | High |
| #15 | Liberty UniversityPrivate | $26,585 | 24 | $24,500 | High | $16,398 | High |
| #16 | Roanoke CollegePrivate | $25,658 | 22 | $27,000 | High | $40,178 | High |
| #17 | University Of RichmondPrivate | $23,693 | 15 | $21,000 | High | $30,512 | 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 →
