Illinois · Sociology

Best Sociology institutions in Illinois, ranked by earnings

Sociology is the scientific study of human society, focusing on social behavior, relationships, and cultural aspects of everyday life. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding the complexities of social interactions…

Institutions
31
offering CIP 45.11
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
528
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$35,415
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
15
College Scorecard
Median net price
$20,794
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
60%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Sociologists
$138,640
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 10 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Chicago State University
Chicago Public · Bachelor's degree
$42,687715%$38,087
2McKendree University
Lebanon Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$40,0151153%$23,994$27,000
3Eastern Illinois University
Charleston Public · Bachelor's degree
$39,5471247%$25,817
4Northwestern University
Evanston Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$38,4022795%$14,799$14,567
5Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago Public · Bachelor's degree
$36,686622%$17,457
6Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville Public · Bachelor's degree
$35,4152057%$26,500
7Northern Illinois University
Dekalb Public · Bachelor's degree
$35,1503149%$27,000
8Saint Xavier University
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$35,103257%$12,935$27,000
9University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago Public · Bachelor's degree
$34,4356362%$19,315
10Loyola University Chicago
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$34,0043673%$33,454$22,250

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Sociologists (SOC 19-3041).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+3.6%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~300
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$101,690
typically Master's degree

Top skills

SpeakingActive ListeningWritingActive LearningReading ComprehensionCritical Thinking

What Sociologists earn in Illinois

Jobs in Illinois
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$138,640
median $134,730
Best-paying metro
$140,040
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Related careers

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
$65,980 avg · 1,680 jobs
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
$88,680 avg · 490 jobs
Social Science Research Assistants
$58,720 avg · 230 jobs
Sociologists
$138,640

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Sociology programs in Illinois.

Which Sociology program in Illinois has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Chicago State University tops the list at $42,687. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Sociologists earn in Illinois?+

The average annual wage for Sociologists in Illinois is $138,640 (median $134,730). Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Sociology program?+

Sociology is the scientific study of human society, focusing on social behavior, relationships, and cultural aspects of everyday life. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding the complexities of social interactions…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop speaking, active listening, writing, active learning, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Sociologists?+

The national job outlook is about +3.6% growth with around 300 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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