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Sector Analysis · Social Sciences

Best Sociology Schools by Graduate Salary & ROI (2026)

414 schools ranked by DegreeOutlook Score · Updated 2026

These are the top schools offering Sociology, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. The score combines graduate earnings, AI automation resilience, job market demand, and return on tuition investment. The average Sociology graduate earns $34,393/yr across 414 schools.

What do Sociology graduates do? See career paths and salaries →

Why SF State's Social Justice Focus Translates to #1

San Francisco State isn't a traditional powerhouse, but its #1 rank reveals a powerful formula: mission-driven education in a high-demand location. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution with a curriculum focused on social justice, its graduates are uniquely prepared for the Bay Area's massive non-profit sector and social impact roles in tech. This direct career pipeline, combined with affordable public tuition ($29,696), delivers an impressive 19.7x ROI that elite, high-cost schools can't match.

A For-Profit at #2? The Surprising Case of American Public University

An online, for-profit school in the top two is shocking, but the data explains why. American Public University System primarily serves active-duty military and working adults—a demographic using a sociology degree for promotion or post-service careers. This career-focused context likely explains their graduates' high earnings ($47,633/yr), the highest in the top five. This isn't a traditional college path; it's a specialized tool for a non-traditional student, proving that outcomes depend heavily on who the school serves.

AI Won't Replace Sociologists—It Will Reshape Their Toolkit

The 49% AI task exposure rating doesn't mean your job is at risk; it means your job description is changing. AI is automating the grunt work of entry-level research—data cleaning, literature searches, and basic analysis. This frees you to focus on the skills that algorithms can't replicate: asking insightful questions, interpreting data within its complex human context, and making nuanced judgments. Your value is shifting from being a data processor to being a strategic social thinker.

The Public University Blueprint for Sociology Success

The top of this list is a sea of public schools, with 17 of the top 20 hailing from state systems like CSU and CUNY. This isn't a coincidence; it's a deliberate outcome of their mission to provide affordable education that leads to regional employment. In contrast, a prestigious private like Columbia (#15) offers high earnings but a cripplingly low 2.4x ROI due to its $276,180 price tag. The data shows that for sociology, public investment is consistently the smarter financial path to a career.

Programs Ranked
414
Avg Earnings
$34,393/yr
Avg DW Score
39/100
AI Risk
High
49% task exposure
Top Institutions

Leading the field for Sociology

The top four programs by DegreeOutlook Score. Full ranking of 414 programs below.

Rank #1 · DegreeOutlook Score 57
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA · Public
$40,7631-yr earnings
19.7xROI multiple
HighAI risk
American Public University System
57
WV · #2
$47,633/yr · 15.4x ROI
California State University-East Bay
56
CA · #3
$39,378/yr · 20.6x ROI
University of California-Berkeley
56
CA · #4
$40,774/yr · 12.1x ROI
The Ranking Matrix

All Sociology Programs Ranked

Click any row for full AI scenario analysis, earnings projections, and career path breakdown.

Sort by
# School DW Score Earnings ROI
1 San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA · Public
57
54–58
 $40,763/yr 19.7x
2 American Public University System
Charles Town, WV · Private for-profit
57
53–58
 $47,633/yr 15.4x
3 California State University-East Bay
Hayward, CA · Public
56
53–57
 $39,378/yr 20.6x
4 University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
56
53–57
 $40,774/yr 12.1x
5 CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY · Public
56
53–57
 $41,062/yr 18.5x
6 Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA · Public
55
52–55
 $37,896/yr 18.1x
7 Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
55
53–55
 $35,404/yr 23.8x
8 The College of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ · Public
54
49–54
 $46,953/yr 8.1x
9 CUNY Lehman College
Bronx, NY · Public
54
50–55
 $42,710/yr 16.6x
10 CUNY York College
Jamaica, NY · Public
54
50–54
 $40,515/yr 17.4x
11 University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA · Public
54
50–54
 $40,062/yr 12.3x
12 California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA · Public
53
50–53
 $37,040/yr 18.1x
13 University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS · Public
53
50–54
 $42,703/yr 11.9x
14 Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN · Public
53
49–54
 $42,984/yr 12.7x
15 Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
53
49–54
 $58,541/yr 2.4x
16 California State University-Channel Islands
Camarillo, CA · Public
53
51–54
 $36,557/yr 20.6x
17 Iowa State University
Ames, IA · Public
52
48–53
 $40,602/yr 12.8x
18 Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN · Public
52
48–52
 $42,108/yr 13.0x
19 University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE · Public
52
49–53
 $40,871/yr 15.0x
20 University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA · Public
52
48–53
 $45,786/yr 7.1x
21 National University
San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit
51
46–51
 $46,505/yr 9.3x
22 Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO · Public
51
48–52
 $42,022/yr 11.9x
23 University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD · Public
51
47–51
 $39,435/yr 11.0x
24 The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
51
48–52
 $39,621/yr 12.0x
25 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · Public
50
48–50
 $30,401/yr 16.1x
26 Adams State University
Alamosa, CO · Public
50
45–51
 $46,948/yr 11.0x
27 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, CO · Public
50
46–50
 $40,011/yr 12.4x
28 Western Colorado University
Gunnison, CO · Public
50
46–51
 $43,178/yr 10.9x
29 Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS · Public
50
47–51
 $38,075/yr 20.1x
30 Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS · Public
50
46–51
 $42,985/yr 11.1x
31 Ohio University-Eastern Campus
Saint Clairsville, OH · Public
50
47–50
 $36,506/yr 19.2x
32 Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus
Chillicothe, OH · Public
50
47–50
 $36,506/yr 19.2x
33 Ohio University-Southern Campus
Ironton, OH · Public
50
47–50
 $36,506/yr 19.2x
34 Ohio University-Lancaster Campus
Lancaster, OH · Public
50
47–50
 $36,506/yr 19.2x
35 Ohio University-Zanesville Campus
Zanesville, OH · Public
50
47–50
 $36,506/yr 19.2x
36 East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA · Public
50
48–51
 $35,932/yr 13.2x
37 University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI · Public
50
47–51
 $42,554/yr 8.6x
38 Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA · Public
50
47–50
 $36,466/yr 14.5x
39 California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
49
47–50
 $34,092/yr 19.1x
40 Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit
49
44–50
 $53,612/yr 2.3x
41 University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA · Public
49
45–49
 $41,250/yr 11.9x
42 CUNY Queens College
Queens, NY · Public
49
47–49
 $31,975/yr 18.8x
43 State University of New York at Cortland
Cortland, NY · Public
49
47–50
 $33,837/yr 15.9x
44 SUNY College at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, NY · Public
49
46–50
 $39,079/yr 13.5x
45 University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
49
46–49
 $35,889/yr 12.6x
46 University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL · Public
49
48–50
 $33,611/yr 31.9x
47 California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · Public
48
46–49
 $34,714/yr 17.7x
48 California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · Public
48
46–49
 $34,093/yr 17.8x
49 Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL · Public
48
46–48
 $33,783/yr 21.0x
50 University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL · Public
48
46–49
 $35,728/yr 18.4x
51 Salem State University
Salem, MA · Public
48
45–49
 $39,822/yr 10.5x
52 Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH · Private nonprofit
48
44–49
 $64,377/yr 1.8x
53 CUNY Hunter College
New York, NY · Public
48
47–49
 $30,246/yr 19.7x
54 Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY · Public
48
46–49
 $32,912/yr 14.0x
55 Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus
Mansfield, OH · Public
48
45–49
 $38,034/yr 13.2x
56 Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX · Public
48
45–48
 $38,438/yr 13.5x
57 Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA · Public
48
45–48
 $36,212/yr 19.0x
58 California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA · Public
47
45–48
 $34,350/yr 17.0x
59 Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo, CO · Public
47
45–48
 $37,389/yr 12.8x
60 University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
47
45–48
 $33,611/yr 19.0x
61 Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID · Private nonprofit
47
46–48
 $31,353/yr 26.6x
62 University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN · Public
47
43–47
 $40,255/yr 11.1x
63 University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
47
45–47
 $34,150/yr 12.2x
64 Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit
47
43–48
 $48,091/yr 2.1x
65 Winona State University
Winona, MN · Public
47
43–48
 $43,505/yr 10.2x
66 University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE · Public
47
44–47
 $36,809/yr 12.2x
67 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY · Public
47
44–48
 $40,401/yr 12.5x
68 SUNY College at Geneseo
Geneseo, NY · Public
47
45–48
 $37,600/yr 13.3x
69 University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NC · Public
47
45–47
 $34,051/yr 29.7x
70 University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT · Public
47
44–47
 $36,308/yr 13.1x
71 George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public
47
44–48
 $38,916/yr 9.6x
72 Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV · Public
47
46–48
 $33,190/yr 15.5x
73 Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN · Public
47
44–47
 $36,826/yr 12.3x
74 California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA · Public
47
45–47
 $34,541/yr 15.6x
75 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Pomona, CA · Public
46
45–47
 $30,432/yr 18.2x
76 California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public
46
44–46
 $31,270/yr 18.1x
77 University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
46
45–47
 $34,121/yr 10.8x
78 San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public
46
44–46
 $35,136/yr 14.2x
79 Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO · Public
46
43–47
 $37,335/yr 10.0x
80 University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
46
44–46
 $34,926/yr 17.3x
81 University of South Florida
Tampa, FL · Public
46
44–46
 $33,516/yr 18.1x
82 Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD · Public
46
45–47
 $32,165/yr 13.9x
83 University of Massachusetts-Boston
Boston, MA · Public
46
43–47
 $40,569/yr 8.0x
84 The University of Montana
Missoula, MT · Public
46
43–47
 $39,160/yr 13.0x
85 University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Durham, NH · Public
46
42–46
 $42,048/yr 6.4x
86 SUNY Oneonta
Oneonta, NY · Public
46
45–47
 $33,072/yr 14.8x
87 SUNY College at Potsdam
Potsdam, NY · Public
46
44–47
 $36,500/yr 13.4x
88 University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK · Public
46
43–46
 $37,727/yr 12.8x
89 University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, OK · Public
46
44–47
 $35,917/yr 12.7x
90 The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, TX · Public
46
43–47
 $37,338/yr 10.6x
91 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI · Public
46
44–47
 $36,411/yr 14.0x
92 University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI · Public
46
43–47
 $37,888/yr 12.7x
93 Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ · Public
45
41–45
 $40,029/yr 9.3x
94 California State University-Chico
Chico, CA · Public
45
43–46
 $36,992/yr 13.6x
95 University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
45
43–46
 $36,464/yr 8.9x
96 University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO · Public
45
42–46
 $37,958/yr 8.1x
97 Columbus State University
Columbus, GA · Public
45
43–45
 $34,899/yr 17.9x
98 Bowie State University
Bowie, MD · Public
45
42–46
 $38,893/yr 11.9x
99 Montana State University
Bozeman, MT · Public
45
42–45
 $36,595/yr 13.4x
100 University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV · Public
45
43–46
 $33,553/yr 13.6x
101 CUNY City College
New York, NY · Public
45
44–46
 $28,825/yr 18.5x
102 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public
45
44–45
 $30,623/yr 14.9x
103 North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND · Public
45
42–46
 $40,451/yr 10.1x
104 Miami University-Oxford
Oxford, OH · Public
45
42–46
 $43,150/yr 6.6x
105 South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD · Public
45
42–46
 $40,236/yr 11.3x
106 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Bend, OR · Public
45
42–46
 $39,193/yr 9.4x
107 Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL · Public
44
43–45
 $29,679/yr 24.3x
108 Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA · Public
44
42–45
 $34,627/yr 17.3x
109 Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL · Public
44
42–44
 $35,415/yr 9.8x
110 Framingham State University
Framingham, MA · Public
44
42–44
 $33,885/yr 11.1x
111 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
44
42–44
 $33,832/yr 8.4x
112 Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public
44
42–44
 $35,055/yr 8.5x
113 Barnard College
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
44
40–45
 $48,215/yr 1.8x
114 Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC · Public
44
43–45
 $33,544/yr 24.6x
115 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH · Public
44
40–44
 $42,507/yr 6.8x
116 Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH · Public
44
41–45
 $38,034/yr 9.2x
117 Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR · Public
44
41–45
 $39,193/yr 8.7x
118 University of North Texas
Denton, TX · Public
44
42–44
 $33,334/yr 11.6x
119 Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
44
42–45
 $35,848/yr 9.7x
120 Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA · Public
44
41–44
 $36,977/yr 7.9x
121 University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA · Public
44
41–44
 $35,499/yr 9.0x
122 Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA · Public
44
42–45
 $37,946/yr 9.7x
123 Washington State University
Pullman, WA · Public
44
40–44
 $39,801/yr 8.6x
124 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI · Public
44
41–44
 $36,452/yr 11.3x
125 University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR · Public
43
41–43
 $33,566/yr 12.1x
126 University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · Public
43
41–43
 $34,372/yr 8.9x
127 Florida International University
Miami, FL · Public
43
42–44
 $31,147/yr 17.6x
128 University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA · Public
43
41–43
 $34,393/yr 16.3x
129 Chicago State University
Chicago, IL · Public
43
39–43
 $42,687/yr 7.7x
130 Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL · Public
43
40–44
 $39,547/yr 8.3x
131 Worcester State University
Worcester, MA · Public
43
41–44
 $33,636/yr 11.1x
132 Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI · Public
43
41–44
 $35,399/yr 8.5x
133 University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM · Public
43
41–43
 $35,796/yr 12.8x
134 University at Albany
Albany, NY · Public
43
41–44
 $33,433/yr 11.8x
135 SUNY Old Westbury
Old Westbury, NY · Public
43
40–44
 $37,826/yr 11.9x
136 Duke University
Durham, NC · Private nonprofit
43
39–44
 $45,551/yr 1.9x
137 East Carolina University
Greenville, NC · Public
43
42–44
 $31,928/yr 15.6x
138 Rhode Island College
Providence, RI · Public
43
41–44
 $36,742/yr 10.3x
139 University of Houston
Houston, TX · Public
43
42–44
 $30,723/yr 13.5x
140 Lamar University
Beaumont, TX · Public
43
40–44
 $38,042/yr 9.9x
141 Texas State University
San Marcos, TX · Public
43
41–44
 $37,263/yr 10.0x
142 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA · Public
43
40–44
 $38,768/yr 7.6x
143 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI · Public
43
41–43
 $33,529/yr 12.2x
144 Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR · Public
42
40–43
 $32,924/yr 13.2x
145 University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA · Public
42
40–42
 $34,050/yr 8.9x
146 Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT · Public
42
41–43
 $33,724/yr 10.2x
147 University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
42
41–43
 $32,530/yr 11.2x
148 University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit
42
40–43
 $35,915/yr 2.5x
149 Ashford University
San Diego, CA · Private for-profit
42
38–43
 $43,202/yr 7.3x
150 University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, MD · Public
42
41–43
 $31,853/yr 13.3x
151 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
North Adams, MA · Public
42
39–43
 $38,631/yr 9.0x
152 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
42
39–43
 $38,972/yr 7.0x
153 Colgate University
Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit
42
37–43
 $51,788/yr 0.9x
154 SUNY at Purchase College
Purchase, NY · Public
42
40–43
 $35,124/yr 12.0x
155 Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, PA · Public
42
40–42
 $34,883/yr 9.7x
156 California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA · Public
41
40–42
 $30,126/yr 15.1x
157 University of California-Davis
Davis, CA · Public
41
39–41
 $32,137/yr 8.7x
158 Trinity College
Hartford, CT · Private nonprofit
41
37–42
 $50,077/yr 0.9x
159 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
41
39–41
 $31,548/yr 8.6x
160 Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD · Public
41
40–42
 $31,470/yr 14.0x
161 Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA · Public
41
39–42
 $35,680/yr 9.7x
162 Ramapo College of New Jersey
Mahwah, NJ · Public
41
39–41
 $34,034/yr 8.0x
163 SUNY Brockport
Brockport, NY · Public
41
39–41
 $33,566/yr 12.2x
164 University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC · Public
41
40–42
 $31,897/yr 15.0x
165 Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA · Public
41
40–42
 $33,039/yr 12.2x
166 Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ · Public
41
37–41
 $40,029/yr —
167 Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR · Public
40
38–41
 $34,105/yr 12.5x
168 California State University-Fresno
Fresno, CA · Public
40
39–41
 $30,378/yr 15.3x
169 Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT · Public
40
37–41
 $38,523/yr 7.7x
170 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL · Public
40
39–40
 $31,167/yr 16.8x
171 Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL · Public
40
38–40
 $35,150/yr 8.8x
172 Ball State University
Muncie, IN · Public
40
39–41
 $32,973/yr 10.7x
173 Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME · Private nonprofit
40
36–41
 $47,749/yr 0.8x
174 Tufts University
Medford, MA · Private nonprofit
40
36–41
 $47,859/yr 0.8x
175 University of Michigan-Flint
Flint, MI · Public
40
36–41
 $41,460/yr 6.6x
176 University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO · Public
40
38–41
 $36,810/yr 8.8x
177 William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ · Public
40
38–41
 $35,528/yr 7.7x
178 University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY · Public
40
39–40
 $28,593/yr 12.0x
179 Appalachian State University
Boone, NC · Public
40
38–40
 $31,559/yr 13.8x
180 North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC · Public
40
38–40
 $35,510/yr 9.0x
181 University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC · Public
40
39–40
 $29,220/yr 15.3x
182 Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC · Public
40
40–41
 $23,374/yr 25.9x
183 Ohio University-Main Campus
Athens, OH · Public
40
38–41
 $36,506/yr 8.1x
184 Clemson University
Clemson, SC · Public
40
38–41
 $36,320/yr 7.4x
185 Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN · Public
40
38–40
 $31,699/yr 12.6x
186 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN · Public
40
38–40
 $35,723/yr 8.2x
187 Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX · Public
40
38–40
 $32,207/yr 10.1x
188 James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA · Public
40
38–40
 $31,513/yr 9.4x
189 University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus
Waterbury, CT · Public
40
38–40
 $31,913/yr 7.7x
190 University of Connecticut-Avery Point
Groton, CT · Public
40
38–40
 $31,913/yr 7.7x
191 University of Connecticut-Stamford
Stamford, CT · Public
40
38–40
 $31,913/yr 7.7x
192 University of California-Merced
Merced, CA · Public
40
38–41
 $37,092/yr 7.7x
193 University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus
Hartford, CT · Public
40
38–40
 $31,913/yr 7.7x
194 University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, GA · Public
40
39–40
 $30,576/yr 14.3x
195 Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies
Springfield, MO · Private nonprofit
40
38–40
 $35,881/yr 11.4x
196 California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA · Public
39
39–40
 $27,919/yr 14.9x
197 University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT · Public
39
37–39
 $31,913/yr 6.5x
198 Clayton State University
Morrow, GA · Public
39
38–39
 $29,834/yr 13.7x
199 University of Idaho
Moscow, ID · Public
39
38–39
 $31,440/yr 12.2x
200 University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL · Public
39
37–40
 $34,435/yr 8.1x
201 Illinois State University
Normal, IL · Public
39
37–40
 $33,636/yr 7.6x
202 Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL · Public
39
37–40
 $36,686/yr 8.3x
203 Keene State College
Keene, NH · Public
39
36–40
 $36,581/yr 7.2x
204 State University of New York at New Paltz
New Paltz, NY · Public
39
38–40
 $26,901/yr 14.2x
205 King's College
Wilkes-Barre, PA · Private nonprofit
39
35–40
 $48,529/yr 2.1x
206 Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN · Public
39
37–40
 $34,884/yr 9.2x
207 West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV · Public
39
37–40
 $34,063/yr 10.6x
208 University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Kenosha, WI · Public
39
37–40
 $35,710/yr 11.4x
209 Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN · Public
39
37–40
 $35,334/yr 11.1x
210 University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ · Public
38
36–39
 $34,671/yr 7.9x
211 Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ · Public
38
37–39
 $31,410/yr 9.3x
212 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Arcata, CA · Public
38
38–39
 $24,501/yr 15.4x
213 University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO · Public
38
36–39
 $36,077/yr 8.3x
214 University of Delaware
Newark, DE · Public
38
37–39
 $29,714/yr 8.4x
215 Emporia State University
Emporia, KS · Public
38
37–39
 $29,313/yr 14.4x
216 University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO · Public
38
37–39
 $33,386/yr 8.2x
217 Rutgers University-Camden
Camden, NJ · Public
38
36–39
 $34,344/yr 6.8x
218 Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ · Public
38
36–39
 $34,344/yr 6.7x
219 Rutgers University-Newark
Newark, NJ · Public
38
36–39
 $34,344/yr 7.0x
220 State University of New York at Oswego
Oswego, NY · Public
38
36–38
 $33,258/yr 11.0x
221 Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
38
35–38
 $38,632/yr 1.9x
222 Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater, OK · Public
38
37–39
 $33,365/yr 10.2x
223 Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN · Public
38
36–39
 $35,293/yr 9.7x
224 The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, TX · Public
38
37–39
 $32,787/yr 11.4x
225 Auburn University
Auburn, AL · Public
37
35–38
 $35,378/yr 6.1x
226 Chapman University
Orange, CA · Private nonprofit
37
34–38
 $39,278/yr 1.8x
227 Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit
37
34–38
 $40,451/yr 2.2x
228 Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT · Public
37
36–38
 $32,013/yr 8.8x
229 Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL · Private nonprofit
37
34–38
 $39,498/yr 3.4x
230 Indiana University-Kokomo
Kokomo, IN · Public
37
36–38
 $32,740/yr 9.0x
231 Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN · Public
37
36–38
 $30,296/yr 9.9x
232 Central College
Pella, IA · Private nonprofit
37
34–38
 $38,034/yr 4.6x
233 McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA · Public
37
36–38
 $30,183/yr 12.2x
234 Bates College
Lewiston, ME · Private nonprofit
37
33–38
 $42,170/yr 0.7x
235 Boston University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
37
34–37
 $38,457/yr 1.8x
236 Brandeis University
Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit
37
33–38
 $45,287/yr 1.4x
237 University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO · Public
37
35–37
 $34,942/yr 7.6x
238 Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO · Public
37
36–38
 $31,819/yr 11.2x
239 University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV · Public
37
35–38
 $36,295/yr 9.3x
240 Kean University
Union, NJ · Public
37
35–38
 $36,432/yr 7.3x
241 SUNY Buffalo State University
Buffalo, NY · Public
37
36–38
 $28,676/yr 12.9x
242 Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC · Private nonprofit
37
33–38
 $46,257/yr 1.4x
243 Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PA · Public
37
35–38
 $34,490/yr 8.8x
244 Texas A&M University-San Antonio
San Antonio, TX · Public
37
36–38
 $33,945/yr 7.9x
245 University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR · Public
36
35–37
 $31,867/yr 10.0x
246 University of California-Riverside
Riverside, CA · Public
36
35–36
 $29,367/yr 8.5x
247 University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA · Public
36
35–37
 $28,495/yr 8.7x
248 Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit
36
32–36
 $42,653/yr 1.5x
249 American University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
36
32–36
 $40,119/yr 1.8x
250 Savannah State University
Savannah, GA · Public
36
35–37
 $28,747/yr 15.9x
251 McKendree University
Lebanon, IL · Private nonprofit
36
32–36
 $40,015/yr 2.7x
252 Wichita State University
Wichita, KS · Public
36
34–37
 $35,236/yr 9.0x
253 Morehead State University
Morehead, KY · Public
36
34–36
 $34,511/yr 8.9x
254 Mount St. Mary's University
Emmitsburg, MD · Private nonprofit
36
33–37
 $40,196/yr 1.1x
255 University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public
36
35–37
 $31,686/yr 6.7x
256 Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA · Private nonprofit
36
33–37
 $40,675/yr 0.6x
257 New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM · Public
36
35–37
 $31,376/yr 11.7x
258 Binghamton University
Vestal, NY · Public
36
35–37
 $30,455/yr 10.3x
259 University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC · Public
36
35–36
 $27,400/yr 13.5x
260 University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, TX · Public
36
35–37
 $31,555/yr 9.2x
261 The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX · Public
36
35–37
 $29,066/yr 11.3x
262 Utah State University
Logan, UT · Public
36
34–36
 $32,730/yr 10.0x
263 Roanoke College
Salem, VA · Private nonprofit
36
33–36
 $38,983/yr 1.7x
264 Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA · Public
35
34–36
 $28,968/yr 12.0x
265 Franklin College
Franklin, IN · Private nonprofit
35
32–35
 $37,759/yr 1.5x
266 Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN · Public
35
34–36
 $30,939/yr 9.8x
267 University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY · Public
35
33–36
 $34,922/yr 7.0x
268 University of Louisville
Louisville, KY · Public
35
33–35
 $32,818/yr 7.8x
269 Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA · Public
35
33–35
 $30,583/yr 11.1x
270 Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD · Public
35
33–35
 $32,091/yr 6.5x
271 Wayne State University
Detroit, MI · Public
35
33–35
 $31,381/yr 7.5x
272 Columbia College
Columbia, MO · Private nonprofit
35
32–36
 $37,758/yr 3.7x
273 Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ · Public
35
34–36
 $29,863/yr 7.5x
274 Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ · Public
35
33–35
 $32,268/yr 7.2x
275 Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Portales, NM · Public
35
34–35
 $29,167/yr 9.6x
276 Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH · Public
35
33–35
 $34,490/yr 7.4x
277 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR · Public
35
34–36
 $30,050/yr 7.6x
278 University of Memphis
Memphis, TN · Public
35
33–36
 $34,822/yr 8.3x
279 Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX · Public
35
34–35
 $29,922/yr 10.0x
280 Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX · Public
35
35–36
 $24,612/yr 12.5x
281 University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI · Public
34
33–34
 $27,859/yr 9.2x
282 Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY · Public
34
32–34
 $32,762/yr 8.0x
283 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA · Public
34
34–35
 $27,846/yr 9.6x
284 College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit
34
32–35
 $36,583/yr 1.8x
285 Northeastern University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
34
30–35
 $41,624/yr 1.4x
286 Suffolk University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
34
31–35
 $37,802/yr 2.2x
287 Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI · Public
34
33–35
 $32,132/yr 7.1x
288 University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO · Public
34
33–35
 $28,238/yr 10.7x
289 Harris-Stowe State University
Saint Louis, MO · Public
34
33–35
 $28,268/yr 10.0x
290 New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ · Public
34
33–35
 $32,082/yr 7.4x
291 Kent State University at Stark
North Canton, OH · Public
34
33–35
 $29,183/yr 12.2x
292 Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, TX · Public
34
32–34
 $31,620/yr 9.1x
293 University of Vermont
Burlington, VT · Public
34
32–34
 $31,798/yr 5.6x
294 Longwood University
Farmville, VA · Public
34
33–34
 $27,948/yr 7.8x
295 Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA · Public
34
32–34
 $32,781/yr 6.1x
296 University of North Alabama
Florence, AL · Public
33
31–33
 $30,591/yr 5.4x
297 Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit
33
31–33
 $35,993/yr 1.8x
298 University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO · Public
33
32–34
 $27,226/yr 10.7x
299 Boise State University
Boise, ID · Public
33
32–33
 $26,809/yr 11.3x
300 Assumption University
Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit
33
31–34
 $37,279/yr 0.9x
301 Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ · Private nonprofit
33
31–34
 $36,705/yr 2.4x
302 Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH · Public
33
31–33
 $31,484/yr 7.0x
303 Portland State University
Portland, OR · Public
33
32–34
 $28,708/yr 9.3x
304 Arcadia University
Glenside, PA · Private nonprofit
33
31–34
 $36,919/yr 0.9x
305 Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Indiana, PA · Public
33
31–33
 $32,323/yr 7.8x
306 La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
33
31–34
 $36,319/yr 1.6x
307 University of Pittsburgh-Bradford
Bradford, PA · Public
33
32–34
 $30,274/yr 7.4x
308 University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown
Johnstown, PA · Public
33
32–34
 $30,274/yr 7.3x
309 Rosemont College
Rosemont, PA · Private nonprofit
33
31–33
 $33,537/yr 2.8x
310 Temple University
Philadelphia, PA · Public
33
31–34
 $33,427/yr 4.5x
311 Providence College
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
33
30–33
 $35,983/yr 1.7x
312 College of Charleston
Charleston, SC · Public
33
32–33
 $28,801/yr 8.2x
313 Lander University
Greenwood, SC · Public
33
32–33
 $31,243/yr 8.2x
314 Augusta University
Augusta, GA · Public
33
33–34
 $28,860/yr 11.4x
315 Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
32
29–33
 $40,079/yr 1.2x
316 Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID · Public
32
31–32
 $27,854/yr 10.6x
317 William Penn University
Oskaloosa, IA · Private nonprofit
32
30–33
 $34,099/yr 2.0x
318 University of Maine
Orono, ME · Public
32
31–33
 $30,283/yr 5.0x
319 McDaniel College
Westminster, MD · Private nonprofit
32
29–32
 $37,728/yr 1.8x
320 Centenary University
Hackettstown, NJ · Private nonprofit
32
30–33
 $32,049/yr 2.9x
321 Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
32
29–32
 $36,709/yr 1.5x
322 St. John's University-New York
Queens, NY · Private nonprofit
32
29–33
 $38,216/yr 1.8x
323 John Carroll University
University Heights, OH · Private nonprofit
32
30–33
 $36,845/yr 1.9x
324 Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, PA · Private nonprofit
32
30–33
 $36,396/yr 0.4x
325 University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC · Public
32
31–32
 $30,517/yr 7.6x
326 Randolph-Macon College
Ashland, VA · Private nonprofit
32
29–32
 $39,656/yr 1.5x
327 University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY · Public
32
31–33
 $27,059/yr 8.8x
328 University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL · Public
31
30–32
 $28,137/yr 10.0x
329 University of San Diego
San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit
31
29–32
 $36,476/yr 1.6x
330 University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit
31
28–31
 $36,183/yr 1.6x
331 University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit
31
29–32
 $35,580/yr 1.5x
332 The University of Tampa
Tampa, FL · Private nonprofit
31
29–32
 $33,872/yr 1.5x
333 DePaul University
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
31
29–31
 $33,644/yr 2.3x
334 Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
31
29–32
 $34,004/yr 2.0x
335 Northwestern University
Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit
31
28–31
 $38,402/yr 1.2x
336 Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
31
29–32
 $35,103/yr 2.5x
337 Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN · Public
31
30–31
 $27,749/yr 6.5x
338 Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI · Public
31
31–32
 $28,785/yr 7.4x
339 Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI · Public
31
30–32
 $29,919/yr 6.5x
340 Augsburg University
Minneapolis, MN · Private nonprofit
31
29–32
 $34,543/yr 1.0x
341 Stockton University
Galloway, NJ · Public
31
31–32
 $24,814/yr 7.5x
342 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY · Private nonprofit
31
29–31
 $34,832/yr 1.8x
343 Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY · Private nonprofit
31
29–32
 $35,128/yr 0.4x
344 Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Cheyney, PA · Public
31
30–32
 $28,128/yr 8.9x
345 University of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken, SC · Public
31
30–32
 $29,438/yr 8.5x
346 Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC · Public
31
29–31
 $33,877/yr 4.5x
347 Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit
31
29–31
 $35,317/yr 1.9x
348 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI · Public
31
30–32
 $30,111/yr 9.0x
349 Troy University
Troy, AL · Public
30
29–30
 $26,803/yr 9.4x
350 Bloomfield College
Bloomfield, NJ · Private nonprofit
30
28–30
 $33,930/yr 2.7x
351 Manhattanville College
Purchase, NY · Private nonprofit
30
29–31
 $31,551/yr 2.5x
352 University of Mount Saint Vincent
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
30
28–30
 $31,763/yr 2.4x
353 North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC · Public
30
29–31
 $24,661/yr 12.2x
354 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA · Public
30
29–31
 $30,274/yr 4.7x
355 Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA · Private nonprofit
30
28–31
 $36,814/yr 1.8x
356 Francis Marion University
Florence, SC · Public
30
29–30
 $28,982/yr 7.8x
357 Baylor University
Waco, TX · Private nonprofit
30
27–30
 $37,753/yr 1.2x
358 McMurry University
Abilene, TX · Private nonprofit
30
29–31
 $32,956/yr 1.6x
359 Saint Norbert College
De Pere, WI · Private nonprofit
30
27–30
 $35,981/yr 1.8x
360 Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO · Public
29
29–30
 $27,553/yr 8.9x
361 Morehouse College
Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit
29
27–29
 $31,391/yr 1.5x
362 Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI · Public
29
28–30
 $20,126/yr 7.8x
363 Drury University
Springfield, MO · Private nonprofit
29
26–29
 $35,881/yr 1.8x
364 Princeton University
Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit
29
28–30
 $32,914/yr 0.4x
365 Fordham University
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
29
28–30
 $32,511/yr 1.7x
366 Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit
29
28–29
 $26,356/yr -0.0x
367 University of North Carolina Asheville
Asheville, NC · Public
29
28–29
 $18,869/yr 11.8x
368 Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC · Public
29
28–30
 $24,738/yr 8.6x
369 Texas A & M International University
Laredo, TX · Public
29
28–29
 $23,384/yr 11.0x
370 Saint Michael's College
Colchester, VT · Private nonprofit
29
27–30
 $36,605/yr 1.5x
371 Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA · Private nonprofit
29
27–29
 $33,675/yr 1.7x
372 University of La Verne
La Verne, CA · Private nonprofit
28
26–29
 $35,403/yr 1.6x
373 University of Hawaii at Hilo
Hilo, HI · Public
28
28–29
 $24,414/yr 10.5x
374 Dominican University
River Forest, IL · Private nonprofit
28
27–29
 $31,657/yr 2.4x
375 Stonehill College
Easton, MA · Private nonprofit
28
26–28
 $32,057/yr 1.8x
376 Kent State University at Kent
Kent, OH · Public
28
27–29
 $29,183/yr 6.5x
377 Albright College
Reading, PA · Private nonprofit
28
27–29
 $24,310/yr 4.0x
378 Franklin and Marshall College
Lancaster, PA · Private nonprofit
28
26–28
 $31,444/yr 0.1x
379 Emory University
Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit
27
26–28
 $30,516/yr 1.7x
380 University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA · Public
27
26–28
 $26,306/yr 7.8x
381 Smith College
Northampton, MA · Private nonprofit
27
25–27
 $35,252/yr 1.0x
382 Hamline University
Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit
27
25–28
 $33,894/yr 1.6x
383 Doane University
Crete, NE · Private nonprofit
27
25–27
 $32,351/yr 2.0x
384 Beloit College
Beloit, WI · Private nonprofit
27
25–28
 $36,222/yr 0.8x
385 California Baptist University
Riverside, CA · Private nonprofit
26
25–27
 $30,430/yr 2.3x
386 Wheaton College (Massachusetts)
Norton, MA · Private nonprofit
26
25–27
 $29,953/yr 0.2x
387 Hobart William Smith Colleges
Geneva, NY · Private nonprofit
26
25–27
 $20,228/yr -0.2x
388 New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
26
25–27
 $22,697/yr 2.0x
389 Biola University
La Mirada, CA · Private nonprofit
25
24–26
 $30,092/yr 1.9x
390 University of Redlands
Redlands, CA · Private nonprofit
25
23–26
 $33,421/yr 1.0x
391 Hope College
Holland, MI · Private nonprofit
25
24–26
 $29,181/yr 2.2x
392 Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit
25
24–26
 $29,661/yr 1.9x
393 East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN · Public
25
24–26
 $24,468/yr 7.4x
394 Vermont State University
Randolph, VT · Public
25
24–26
 $20,464/yr 7.7x
395 Whitworth University
Spokane, WA · Private nonprofit
25
23–26
 $32,727/yr 1.3x
396 North Central College
Naperville, IL · Private nonprofit
24
23–25
 $29,714/yr 1.9x
397 Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA · Private nonprofit
24
23–24
 $26,581/yr 0.4x
398 The College of Wooster
Wooster, OH · Private nonprofit
24
23–25
 $32,462/yr 1.0x
399 Moravian University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
24
23–24
 $26,583/yr 0.3x
400 Lane College
Jackson, TN · Private nonprofit
24
23–25
 $23,591/yr 6.3x
401 Lee University
Cleveland, TN · Private nonprofit
24
24–25
 $25,127/yr 1.8x
402 Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT · Private nonprofit
24
23–25
 $28,368/yr 1.5x
403 Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA · Private nonprofit
23
21–23
 $29,683/yr 1.5x
404 Augustana College
Rock Island, IL · Private nonprofit
23
22–24
 $30,290/yr 1.4x
405 Willamette University
Salem, OR · Private nonprofit
23
22–23
 $29,312/yr 1.5x
406 Claflin University
Orangeburg, SC · Private nonprofit
23
23–24
 $24,139/yr 4.5x
407 Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit
23
23–24
 $25,958/yr 0.7x
408 Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA · Private nonprofit
22
21–22
 $28,216/yr 1.2x
409 Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
22
21–23
 $24,026/yr 0.2x
410 Albertus Magnus College
New Haven, CT · Private nonprofit
21
20–21
 $27,217/yr 1.7x
411 Gordon College
Wenham, MA · Private nonprofit
21
20–22
 $18,487/yr 0.6x
412 St Bonaventure University
Saint Bonaventure, NY · Private nonprofit
21
20–21
 $23,475/yr 2.1x
413 Connecticut College
New London, CT · Private nonprofit
19
19–20
 $22,636/yr 1.3x
414 Drew University
Madison, NJ · Private nonprofit
18
17–19
 $20,658/yr 1.6x
FAQ

Frequently asked

What is the best school for Sociology?

Based on our DegreeOutlook Score, San Francisco State University ranks #1 for Sociology with a score of 57/100 and graduate earnings of $40,763/yr.

How much do Sociology graduates earn?

Across 414 schools, Sociology graduates earn an average of $34,393/yr in their first year. The highest-earning program reports $64,377/yr.

Is Sociology a good major for AI resistance?

Sociology has an average AI task exposure of 49%, rated "High". This field has moderate AI exposure — some career paths are more resilient than others.

DegreeOutlook Methodology

Programs are ranked by DegreeOutlook Score, which combines four equally weighted factors: graduate earnings (Year 1 after graduation), AI automation resilience (based on OpenAI and academic research), job market size (BLS annual openings), and earnings-to-tuition multiple (10-year projected earnings vs. 4-year tuition).

Earnings data comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, which reports actual median earnings of graduates — not self-reported surveys.