Sociology at Montclair State University

Montclair State's sociology graduates start behind their New Jersey peers but catch up quickly—first-year earnings of $32,268 trail the state median by about $1,700, but four-year earnings of $42,166 represent 31% growth that closes much of that gap. Among New Jersey's 24 sociology programs, this lands in the 40th percentile, solidly mid-pack but notably below what students at nearby College of New Jersey ($47K) or even Kean University ($36K) achieve right out of the gate. The $25,000 median debt matches both national and state averages, creating a manageable but not exceptional debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77.

The trajectory here matters more than the starting point. While graduates initially earn below the national median for sociology majors, the strong earnings growth suggests they're developing marketable skills or finding better opportunities over time. For a program serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients (44% university-wide), this upward mobility has real value—though families should recognize that the first year or two after graduation may require careful budgeting.

The bottom line: This program works for students who can afford patience in their early career, but those needing immediate earning power should compare outcomes at schools where sociology graduates start stronger. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers are reasonably reliable, though individual results will vary.