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Sociology at Bates College

Lewiston, ME · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,170/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #234 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 $488K $489K $460K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$253,912
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$122,812
52% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,442
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Bates College's Sociology graduates start at $42,170/yr — above the $34,392 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 1.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $13,442 in median debt clears quickly against $42,170 in annual earnings.

At #234 out of 414 programs, Bates College's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Bates College

Only 13% of applicants gain admission to Bates College, reflecting elite selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,753 students in Lewiston, ME. The average net cost of $122,812 over four years represents a 52% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bates 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

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 Bates College

Economics ($71,187) Research and Experimental Psychology ($47,376) Political Science and Government ($41,055) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($40,395) English Language and Literature, General ($40,233) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($38,437) Biology, General ($30,613)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does Bates College'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.
How affordable is Sociology at Bates College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $253,912, but the average net cost is $122,812 — a 52% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →