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Sociology at Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,378/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #225 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 $451K $455K $433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 9.1x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,144
Out-of-state: $135,776 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,588
-91% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$51,971
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,378/yr, Sociology graduates from Auburn University land near the $34,392 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 9.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,500 debt-to-$35,378 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #225 out of 414 programs, Auburn University's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Auburn University

Auburn University accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 25,732 students in Auburn, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at Auburn 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

Compare this program → View all 414 schools offering Sociology →

Sociology at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($64,377) Columbia University in the City of New York ($58,541) Santa Clara University ($53,612) Colgate University ($51,788) Trinity College ($50,077) King's College ($48,529) Barnard College ($48,215) Boston College ($48,091)

Other Majors at Auburn University

Chemical Engineering ($82,217) Computer Engineering ($80,067) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,680) Architectural Engineering ($77,115) Mechanical Engineering ($74,005) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($72,440) Industrial Engineering ($71,063) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($68,607)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Auburn University's Sociology program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Sociology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Sociology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Sociology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →