Sociology at Randolph-Macon College

Randolph-Macon's sociology program produces starting salaries that beat 89% of sociology programs nationwide, though the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates tracked) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. At $39,656 in year one, graduates earn roughly $5,500 more than the typical sociology major nationally and about $1,700 above Virginia's median. The $27,000 in debt is actually below both national and state benchmarks, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68—manageable by most standards.

However, within Virginia, this performance looks more modest. The program ranks around the 60th percentile statewide, trailing UVA by about $6,000 and sitting slightly above the state median. The 6% earnings growth to year four suggests steady but unspectacular career progression. For a liberal arts college charging private tuition, these outcomes position the program as solid but not exceptional compared to in-state alternatives.

The key question is whether the Randolph-Macon experience—small classes, a residential campus—justifies choosing this over comparable or better-performing public options. The debt level is reasonable enough that families comfortable with private college costs shouldn't face undue financial strain. Just remember that with such limited data, a few strong or weak graduating cohorts could dramatically shift these numbers.