Sociology at Manhattanville University

Manhattanville's sociology program shows one of the more dramatic earnings trajectories you'll encounter—graduates start at $31,551 but nearly double their income to $60,202 by year four. That 91% growth rate is remarkable, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly with more data.

The initial earnings lag behind both the national median ($34,102) and New York's typical sociology graduate ($33,500), placing this program in the 40th percentile statewide. That first-year struggle is real, especially in expensive Purchase, NY. However, the debt load of $26,000 is reasonable—just slightly above national benchmarks—giving graduates a manageable 0.82 debt-to-earnings ratio at the outset. By year four, when earnings hit $60,202, that debt becomes quite manageable, representing less than half a year's salary.

The gap between this program and New York's elite sociology programs is substantial (Columbia graduates earn $58,541 in year one alone), but comparing liberal arts colleges to research universities misses the point. The real question is whether that strong earnings growth pattern holds up as more graduates enter the data. For families comfortable with a modest first year while their graduate finds footing—and who can afford the wait—the four-year outcome looks solid. But if immediate post-graduation earnings matter for loan repayment or living expenses, the initial $31,551 will feel tight in the New York metro area.