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Sociology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,501/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 17.8x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #212 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 $570K $563K $518K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.0x 17.8x 16.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.1x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,755
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,759
111% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's Sociology graduates start at $24,501/yr, trailing the $34,392 national average by 29%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 17.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $14,755 against $24,501/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #212 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,501-to-$51,759 earnings arc over five years reflects a 111% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

A 99% acceptance rate means California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($55,589) Forestry ($52,810) Plant Sciences ($44,038) Computer Science ($37,153) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($36,586) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($36,444) Political Science and Government ($36,079) Social Work ($35,693)

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

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
At 38/100, 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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt a good choice for Sociology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt'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 →