Sociology at Ashford University

San Diego, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,202/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #149 of 414 Sociology programs Top 50%

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 $466K $468K $444K
Earnings Multiple 8.8x 8.9x 8.4x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,640
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,693
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,545
1% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Ashford University Sociology graduates command $43,202/yr out of the gate, well above the $34,392 national median. That 26% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

A 8.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $28,693 against $43,202/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #149 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Ashford University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $43,202 to $43,545 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Ashford University

with 23,734 students enrolled in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Ashford University →

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

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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Ashford University?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Sociology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at Ashford University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →