Sociology at University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame sociology graduates face a difficult first year—earning just $35,915—but their trajectory tells a more compelling story. By year four, median earnings jump to $71,102, nearly doubling in three years. This puts them ahead of most Indiana sociology programs initially, though they still trail the top performer (University of Southern Indiana at $40,255 in year one). The $19,800 in median debt is manageable given these eventual earnings, particularly compared to the national median of $25,000.

The catch? This data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it less reliable than programs with larger samples. The first-year earnings also deserve scrutiny—at an elite university where the average SAT is 1510, you'd expect sociology majors to start stronger right out of the gate. The dramatic earnings jump by year four suggests many graduates pursue paths requiring additional training or work their way into higher-paying roles, which might not be what families envision when paying Notre Dame tuition.

For families attracted to Notre Dame's prestige and network, sociology could work if your child plans for graduate school or can weather lean early years while building toward better opportunities. But if immediate ROI matters, other Notre Dame programs—or even top Indiana public universities—might deliver more predictable outcomes. The debt is reasonable, but the small sample and slow start require confidence in your child's long-term plan.