Sociology at Chicago State University

Chicago State's sociology program shows unusually strong first-year earnings of $42,687—well above the national median of $34,102 and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. However, this impressive start requires significant context. The program sits at the 60th percentile among Illinois sociology programs, meaning it's solidly middle-of-the-pack within the state despite its exceptional national ranking. More concerning: earnings drop 12% by year four to $37,689, erasing much of that early advantage.

The debt picture is actually favorable. At $38,087, graduates carry higher debt than the national median ($25,000), but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 means most students should be able to manage repayment—especially given those strong initial salaries. The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (55%), making the early earnings particularly meaningful for students who may need immediate income after graduation.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could look quite different for your child's cohort. The earnings decline is worth investigating—it might reflect the types of jobs graduates take initially versus where they land long-term, or simply statistical noise from the small sample. If your child is committed to sociology and values staying in Chicago, this program delivers solid early earnings and manageable debt. Just don't bank on continued salary growth in those first years after graduation.