Sociology and Anthropology graduates earn $46,959 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,259 and $65,175. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Sociology and Anthropology is a focused area of study within Social Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $46,959 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 61 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 552 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$28,378
Median Earnings · 4yr
$46,959
Colleges Offering
61
Graduates / Year
552
Avg Net Price / yr
$24,909
How Much Do Sociology and Anthropology Graduates Earn?
Sociology and Anthropology graduates earn $46,959 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,259 and $65,175. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $28,378 climbs to $46,959 by year four.
$28,378
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$46,959
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$48,940
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Sociology and Anthropology graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.
$34,25925th pct.
$46,959Median
$65,17575th pct.
Understanding the Cost vs. Return
At median 4-year earnings of $46,959 and an estimated $99,636 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 5.9 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.
Based on outcomes from 60 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 552 students who complete Sociology and Anthropology programs each year, the majority (100%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
100%
Bachelor's100%
What Can You Do With a Sociology and Anthropology Degree?
Sociology and Anthropology connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Anthropology and Archeology Teachers leads at $99,650/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses in anthropology or archeology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, career issues, and laboratory and field research.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as research methods, urban anthropology, and language and culture.
Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.
Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
Teach or mentor undergraduate and graduate students in anthropology or archeology.
Write about and present research findings for a variety of specialized and general audiences.
Top Colleges for Sociology and Anthropology
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Sociology and Anthropology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Sociology and Anthropology graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Social Sciences Programs
Sociology and Anthropology is one of 13 specializations within Social Sciences. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Sociology and Anthropology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Sociology and Anthropology carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 1 strengths and 3 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $28,378 at graduation to $46,959 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $46,959 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
High earnings varianceGap between 25th ($34,259) and 75th ($65,175) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.
Sociology and Anthropology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Sociology and Anthropology graduates earn?
Sociology and Anthropology graduates earn a national median of $46,959 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,259 and $65,175. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Sociology and Anthropology degree?
One year after graduation, Sociology and Anthropology degree holders earn a median of $28,378. That climbs to $46,959 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Sociology and Anthropology degree?
Sociology and Anthropology degree holders pursue careers including Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, which pays a median of $99,650/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Sociology and Anthropology program take?
A Sociology and Anthropology bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Sociology and Anthropology?
61 colleges and universities in the United States offer Sociology and Anthropology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Sociology and Anthropology degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $46,959 and an average net price of roughly $24,909/yr, a Sociology and Anthropology degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Sociology and Anthropology and Social Sciences?
Sociology and Anthropology is a focused concentration within the broader Social Sciences field. The Social Sciences major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Sociology and Anthropology-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Sociology and Anthropology graduates?
Employers hiring Sociology and Anthropology graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.
What is the job outlook for Sociology and Anthropology graduates?
The job outlook for Sociology and Anthropology graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.8% job growth over the next 10 years. Anthropologist & Archaeologist is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Social Sciences Programs
Other programs in Social Sciences. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
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