Analysis
Brooklyn College sociology graduates earn significantly more than their peers across the state and nation, with first-year earnings of $41,062 landing them in the 95th percentile nationally—well above the typical $34,102 for sociology bachelor's degrees. This suggests the program, combined with Brooklyn's urban location and employment opportunities, delivers strong early outcomes for graduates.
The estimated debt of $22,248 based on comparable CUNY programs creates a manageable 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. This is notably better than both the national median debt of $25,000 and New York's typical $24,407 for sociology degrees. By year four, when earnings reach $48,880, the debt burden becomes even more proportionate. The 19% earnings growth trajectory is steady if not spectacular, though Brooklyn College graduates still trail elite private institutions like Columbia ($58,541) and Barnard ($48,215) while performing competitively among CUNY campuses.
For families considering Brooklyn College, the combination of strong earnings relative to low estimated debt makes this program a solid value proposition. The school serves a predominantly working-class population (56% receive Pell grants) yet produces sociology graduates who outperform most of their peers. While we can't confirm the exact debt for this specific cohort, the earnings data is actual and compelling—your child would enter a workforce where Brooklyn College sociology credentials appear to carry real weight.
Where CUNY Brooklyn College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How CUNY Brooklyn College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Brooklyn College | $41,062 | $48,880 | +19% |
| Barnard College | $48,215 | $68,952 | +43% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $58,541 | $66,948 | +14% |
| New York University | $22,697 | $61,935 | +173% |
| Manhattanville University | $31,551 | $60,202 | +91% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (78 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,452 | $41,062 | $48,880 | $22,248* | — | |
| $69,045 | $58,541 | $66,948 | $31,000* | 0.53 | |
| $67,024 | $51,788 | — | —* | — | |
| $66,246 | $48,215 | $68,952 | $15,899* | 0.33 | |
| $7,410 | $42,710 | $47,174 | $11,247* | 0.26 | |
| $7,358 | $40,515 | $48,131 | $14,650* | 0.36 | |
| National Median | — | $34,102 | — | $25,000* | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates
Sociologists
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 CUNY Brooklyn College, approximately 56% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.