Sociology and Anthropology
What graduates really earn, where the degree pays off most, and whether the numbers add up for you.
Earnings Range (4 Years After Graduation)
Best Schools for Sociology and Anthropology by Earnings
| # | School | 4yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Olaf College MN · Private | $60,225 |
| 2 | Lewis & Clark College OR · Private | $52,622 |
| 3 | College of Staten Island CUNY NY · Public | $50,716 |
| 4 | Denison University OH · Private | $49,035 |
| 5 | University of Puget Sound WA · Private | $48,940 |
| 6 | Knox College IL · Private | $45,120 |
| 7 | Southern Oregon University OR · Public | $43,982 |
| 8 | Valdosta State University GA · Public | $41,619 |
| 9 | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth MA · Public | $41,529 |
Is Sociology and Anthropology Worth It?
Proceed With a Plan
Be honest with yourself about the money on Sociology and Anthropology. At an average $32,121 four years out, the payback can be long, especially at a pricey school. That doesn't make the field a mistake - it means the cost side has to be managed tightly, so lean toward low debt.
This is a more specialized field, offered at 11 schools in our data. Fewer options means less room to optimize on cost, so weigh each aid offer closely.
The top earner here is St Olaf College, where graduates pull $60,225 four years out. But an average hides a wide spread - where you go, and what you do with the degree, matter as much as the major itself.
Earnings data represents median earnings 4 years after graduation for graduates of bachelor's programs, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on career path, location, and other factors.