Sociology at Whittier College
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (64 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whittier College | — | $48,921 | — | — |
| Santa Clara University | $53,612 | $62,009 | — | — |
| National University | $46,505 | $45,370 | $28,125 | 0.60 |
| Ashford University | $43,202 | $37,947 | $39,041 | 0.90 |
| Occidental College | $42,653 | $48,239 | $21,250 | 0.50 |
| University of California-Berkeley | $40,774 | $64,119 | $13,131 | 0.32 |
| National Median | $34,102 | — | $25,000 | 0.73 |
Other Sociology Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University Santa Clara | $59,241 | $53,612 | — |
| National University San Diego | $13,320 | $46,505 | $28,125 |
| Ashford University San Diego | $13,160 | $43,202 | $39,041 |
| Occidental College Los Angeles | $63,446 | $42,653 | $21,250 |
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $40,774 | $13,131 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Whittier College, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.