by our College Data Analytics Team
[Sociology](/majors/social-sciences/sociology/) graduates earn very different salaries depending on where they study. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the early-career earnings of their sociology graduates.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose sociology graduates go on to earn the most.
University Of Iowa tops our 2026 list of the highest-paying sociology schools in Iowa. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Early-career sociology graduates from University Of Iowa make a median of around $58,319 per year.
Strong graduate earnings at University Of Dubuque earned it the #2 place for sociology. Located in the city of Dubuque, University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the sociology program here go on to a median salary of roughly $58,258.
Students chasing top earnings in sociology will find them at Simpson College, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Indianola, Simpson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Sociology graduates of Simpson College earn a median of about $53,392 a year early in their careers.
Saint Ambrose University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in sociology, landing the #4 spot this year. Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Davenport. Students who complete the sociology program here go on to a median salary of roughly $49,847.
A rank of #5 makes Iowa State University one of the highest-paying schools for sociology. Iowa State University is a public school located in the city of Ames. Early-career sociology graduates from Iowa State University make a median of around $57,753 per year.
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #6 for sociology graduate earnings this year. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. After graduating, sociology degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa typically earn about $50,306 annually.
Central College placed #7 among the highest-paying schools for sociology. Located in the town of Pella, Central College is a private not-for-profit institution. Sociology graduates of Central College earn a median of about $47,227 a year early in their careers.
Grinnell College came in at #8 for sociology graduate earnings this year. Set in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the sociology program here go on to a median salary of roughly $57,657.
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their sociology graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 8 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.