Sociology at Occidental College

Occidental's sociology program launches graduates into the job market earning about 25% more than the typical sociology major nationally—but that premium tells only part of the story. With a starting salary of $42,653, these graduates earn well above the national median, yet this places them solidly in the middle tier among California's 64 sociology programs. For a selective private college where less than one-in-six students receives Pell grants, that's a notably modest outcome compared to what other well-resourced institutions deliver.

The debt burden adds another layer of concern. At $21,250, graduates carry less debt than the national average but significantly more than California's state median of $16,500. This means Occidental sociology majors are taking on above-average California debt for middle-of-the-pack California earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 isn't disastrous, but it's higher than ideal for a liberal arts degree, especially when earnings growth over four years is moderate at 13%.

Here's the practical reality: if your child is paying out-of-state or full private tuition at Occidental for sociology, the return on investment looks weak compared to UC Berkeley (similar earnings at likely lower cost) or even Cal State schools. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift substantially year to year, but the current data suggests this program delivers solid but unexceptional outcomes relative to its California peers.