Sociology and Anthropology: degree ROI, salary & best colleges
Sociology and Anthropology graduates earn a median $46,959 four years after finishing — at or below the $48,360 high-school baseline, so on national medians the degree does not clear a typical bill on earnings alone. Where you study and the specific role matter more here than the field average. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026 · our math.)
Sociology and Anthropology ranks #183 of 202 bachelor's fields by earnings — pays more than 10% of majors.
| # | College | State | Grad earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Olaf College | MN | $60,225 |
| 2 | Lewis & Clark College | OR | $52,622 |
| 3 | College of Staten Island CUNY | NY | $50,716 |
| 4 | Denison University | OH | $49,035 |
| 5 | University of Puget Sound | WA | $48,940 |
| 6 | Knox College | IL | $45,120 |
| 7 | Southern Oregon University | OR | $43,982 |
| 8 | Valdosta State University | GA | $41,619 |
| 9 | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | MA | $41,529 |
College Scorecard field-of-study (2026), program-level median earnings for this CIP · our ranking.
How we compute this. Earnings are the national median for graduates of this field measured 1 and 4 years after completion (Scorecard field-of-study, bachelor's). Premium = 4-year earnings − the $48,360 high-school baseline. Payback = a representative 4-year net cost (median college net price × 4) ÷ premium. Field medians blend every school — a specific program can pay far more or less. Full method on the methodology page; the field ranking is on ROI by major.