Best Sociology Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 21 colleges offering Sociology programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 912 recent graduates. Graduates earn $32,794 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $31,638.

School choice matters significantly: University of Chicago graduates earn $48,432 while Loyola University Chicago graduates earn $25,194 — a $23,238 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$32,794

IL Avg. Earnings

$31,638

National Avg.

545

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Sociology in Illinois

Public Schools (9)

$30,009

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (12)

$34,882

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $4,873 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Sociology Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$48,432

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 4.8%

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$43,798

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 76.7%

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$39,927

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $41,134

Graduates: 27

Acceptance: 7.1%

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, IL · Private

$36,674

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 45.2%

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL · Private

$35,600

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,874

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 94.3%

Illinois College

Jacksonville, IL · Private

$35,420

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 74.7%

North Central College

Naperville, IL · Private

$33,281

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,245

Graduates: 40

Acceptance: 58.3%

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$32,687

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,211

Graduates: 102

Acceptance: 70.5%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$32,569

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,827

Graduates: 57

Acceptance: 43.7%

#10

McKendree University

Lebanon, IL · Private

$32,213

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,902

Graduates: 35

Acceptance: 63.9%

#11

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$32,028

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,444

Graduates: 146

Acceptance: 78.5%

#12

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$31,314

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,832

Graduates: 70

Acceptance: 73.5%

#13

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public

$31,314

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,682

Graduates: 43

Acceptance: 70.4%

#14

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public

$30,499

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,136

Graduates: 80

Acceptance: 67.8%

#15

Dominican University

River Forest, IL · Private

$29,685

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,774

Graduates: 39

Acceptance: 79.8%

#16

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public

$28,960

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,291

Graduates: 50

Acceptance: 97.2%

#17

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public

$28,236

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,839

Graduates: 24

Acceptance: 75.0%

#18

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

$27,822

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,527

Graduates: 96

Acceptance: 89.0%

#19

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private

$27,048

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,043

Graduates: 27

Acceptance: 67.7%

#20

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public

$25,967

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,578

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 40.5%

#21

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$25,194

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,278

Graduates: 39

Acceptance: 81.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Sociology in Illinois?

University of Chicago ranks #1 for Sociology in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $48,432 within two years of graduation. There are 21 schools offering Sociology programs in the state.

How much do Sociology graduates earn in Illinois?

Sociology graduates in Illinois earn an average of $32,794 within two years of graduation. This is 4% above the national average of $31,638 for this major.

What is the hardest Sociology school to get into in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the most selective Sociology program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 4.8%. The average acceptance rate across Sociology programs in the state is 64.8%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Sociology in Illinois?

In Illinois, private Sociology programs produce average earnings of $34,882 vs $30,009 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 12 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Mathematics and Computer Science $76,967 Chemical Engineering $69,173 Industrial Engineering $69,102 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,897 Engineering, General $67,238 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Materials Engineering $64,773

All colleges in Illinois →

Sociology in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.