Compare 525 Sociology. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $49,170. Top programs: $101,536+.
Sociology programs produce graduates earning between $20,140 and $101,536—an $81K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 525 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The data is clear: where you study sociology matters as much as where you study.
Columbia University's Sociology program leads with graduates earning $101,536—more than double the $49,170 national average across all 525 programs. William & Mary, a public institution, ranks second at $87,655, outpacing many better-known private universities. That gap between Columbia and the average exceeds $52K, underscoring that program-level choices—not school brand—drive earnings outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Vanderbilt University sociology graduates borrow just $14,000 in student loans and face a 3.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families weighing parent loans alongside student debt, Columbia leads with a 10.7% family burden—solidly 'Good'—despite combined family debt of $56,500. Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →
Highest program earnings: $101,536
Strong outcomes ($71,581) with 59% acceptance rate
3.1% payment burden | Excellent — payment under 8% of discretionary
10.7% family burden | Good — payment 8-12% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $101,536 | 50 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good | |
| #2 | William & MaryPublic | $87,655 | 34 | $18,500 | Excellent | $30,326 | Good |
| #3 | Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate | $83,649 | 38 | $14,000 | Excellent | $30,844 | Good |
| #4 | Dartmouth CollegePrivate | $81,722 | 31 | $17,500 | Excellent | $44,481 | Manageable |
| #5 | Villanova UniversityPrivate | $81,088 | 16 | — | — | — | — |
| #6 | George Washington UniversityPrivate | $78,857 | 40 | $20,449 | Excellent | $30,881 | Manageable |
| #7 | Barnard CollegePrivate | $77,821 | 25 | $18,000 | Excellent | $65,000 | Challenging |
| #8 | New York UniversityPrivate | $77,650 | 61 | $20,500 | Excellent | $64,795 | Challenging |
| #9 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $75,267 | 25 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Good |
| #10 | Cornell UniversityPrivate | $73,200 | 58 | $14,000 | Excellent | $38,000 | Manageable |
| #11 | University Of PennsylvaniaPrivate | $72,217 | 20 | $15,715 | Excellent | $33,124 | Manageable |
| #12 | Fordham UniversityPrivate | $71,581 | 64 | $24,300 | Excellent | $37,095 | Challenging |
| #13 | $71,363 | 283 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Manageable | |
| #14 | $70,555 | 56 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Manageable | |
| #15 | Boston CollegePrivate | $70,121 | 50 | $19,000 | Excellent | $45,000 | Challenging |
| #16 | $69,883 | 64 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #17 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $69,704 | 41 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Challenging |
| #18 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | $69,585 | 11 | $24,250 | Excellent | $34,984 | Challenging |
| #19 | $68,538 | 89 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $68,260 | 18 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,611 | Manageable | |
| #21 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $68,053 | 42 | $19,500 | Excellent | $58,361 | High |
| #22 | $67,998 | 10 | $21,669 | Excellent | $32,125 | Manageable | |
| #23 | Assumption UniversityPrivate | $67,635 | 14 | $27,000 | Good | $45,926 | Challenging |
| #24 | $67,556 | 22 | $27,000 | Good | $61,178 | High | |
| #25 | Quinnipiac UniversityPrivate | $67,262 | 18 | $26,000 | Excellent | $64,334 | 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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
