Sociology at Albright College

Reading, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,310/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 5.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #377 of 414 Sociology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Sociology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $621K $610K $554K
Earnings Multiple 5.4x 5.3x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$115,176
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$86,656
25% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
12.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,087
135% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Albright College's Sociology graduates start at $24,310/yr, trailing the $34,392 national average by 29%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 5.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #377 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Albright College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,310-to-$57,087 earnings arc over five years reflects a 135% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Albright College

A 86% acceptance rate means Albright College is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,296 students in Reading, PA. Pell Grant recipients make up 50% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Albright College →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
Sociology teachers, postsecondary $82,540/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Sociology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Albright College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Albright College?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Sociology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Sociology degree from Albright College?
At $25,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at Albright College?
The 42% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Albright College a good choice for Sociology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Albright College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →