Sociology at The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey's sociology program punches well above its weight, with graduates earning nearly $47,000 in their first year—about 38% more than the typical New Jersey sociology graduate and nearly $10,000 above what grads from Rider and Kean report. Among New Jersey's 24 sociology programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile. Nationally, it places in the 95th percentile, meaning it outperforms 95% of sociology programs across the country. The debt load of $24,208 sits just below state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 that's quite manageable for a social science degree.

Earnings continue climbing through year four, reaching nearly $55,000—a 16% increase that suggests graduates are building solid career momentum. That trajectory matters for a field where starting salaries often cap potential earnings.

The significant caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably from these medians. Still, the program's combination of relatively accessible admission (62% acceptance rate), strong post-graduation outcomes, and reasonable debt makes it worth serious consideration if your child is drawn to sociology and wants to stay in New Jersey. The numbers suggest TCNJ provides better career preparation than most sociology programs in the state.