Best Schools for Sociology and Anthropology

Sociology and Anthropology graduates earn a median of $48,198 within four years of graduating, ranking #236 out of 283 tracked majors — 23% below the median across all fields. There are 14 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 251 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: St Olaf College graduates earn $60,225 while University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth graduates earn $41,529 — a $18,696 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap. Across all fields, though, which major you pick separates earnings more than which college does.

Early career salary growth is moderate: Sociology and Anthropology graduates see an average 6% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

Schools

$48,198

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#236

of 283 Majors

251

Graduates

Public vs Private: Sociology and Anthropology

Public (5 schools)

$44,462

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (9 schools)

$51,188

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $6,726 more in early earnings on average for Sociology and Anthropology graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Sociology and Anthropology by State

Top Sociology and Anthropology Schools by Graduate Earnings

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN · Private

$60,225

4yr Earnings

19 grads · small sample

2yr: $31,708 (31)

1yr: $19,528 (23)

Acceptance: 52.1%

Lewis & Clark College

Portland, OR · Private

$52,622

4yr Earnings

22 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 74.5%

College of Staten Island CUNY

Staten Island, NY · Public

Denison University

Granville, OH · Private

$49,035

4yr Earnings

21 grads · small sample

2yr: $23,649 (21)

1yr: $28,362 (32)

Acceptance: 16.9%

University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private

$48,940

4yr Earnings

30 grads · small sample

2yr: $22,578 (15)

1yr: $24,431 (36)

Acceptance: 76.3%

Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private

$45,120

4yr Earnings

17 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 71.1%

Southern Oregon University

Ashland, OR · Public

$43,982

4yr Earnings

28 grads · small sample

1yr: $23,321 (17)

Acceptance: 82.7%

Valdosta State University

Valdosta, GA · Public

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

North Dartmouth, MA · Public

$41,529

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 92.2%

#10

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI · Private

Centre College

Danville, KY · Private

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL · Public

$26,353

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 84.4%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies $29,452 Philosophy $29,372 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General $29,202 Psychology, General $29,179 Physical Sciences, Other $29,116 Natural Sciences $29,014

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Sociology and Anthropology?

St Olaf College ranks #1 for Sociology and Anthropology with median graduate earnings of $60,225 within four years of graduating. There are 14 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Sociology and Anthropology graduates earn?

Sociology and Anthropology graduates earn an average of $48,198 within four years of graduating. This is 23% below the median across all majors. Earnings range from $41,529 to $60,225 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Sociology and Anthropology program?

The average acceptance rate across Sociology and Anthropology programs is 64.1%. The most selective program is at Colgate University with a 11.9% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Sociology and Anthropology?

Private Sociology and Anthropology programs average $51,188 in early earnings vs $44,462 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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