Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $39,547 at Eastern Illinois University come in 15% above the national median of $34,392 for Sociology programs.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.4x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Sociology's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $25,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $39,547 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #130 of 414 Sociology programs, Eastern Illinois University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $39,547 to $49,650 over five years — a 26% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.