Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (37 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Bradley University$59,875
Chicago State University$42,687$37,689$38,0870.89
McKendree University$40,015$40,805$27,0000.67
Eastern Illinois University$39,547$43,925$25,8170.65
Northwestern University$38,402$45,402$14,5670.38
Northeastern Illinois University$36,686$36,554$17,4570.48
National Median$34,102$25,0000.73

Other Sociology Programs in Illinois

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Chicago State University
Chicago
$12,754$42,687$38,087
McKendree University
Lebanon
$34,070$40,015$27,000
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston
$13,403$39,547$25,817
Northwestern University
Evanston
$65,997$38,402$14,567
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago
$12,383$36,686$17,457

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bradley University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.