Sociology at California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,557/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 20.8x earnings multiple (7.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 of 414 Sociology programs Top 5%

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 $574K $566K $520K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.0x 20.8x 19.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.7x 7.6x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,268
Out-of-state: $74,788 (7.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$39,168
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,717
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,859
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,557/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 20.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Sociology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Sociology's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

At $14,717 in median debt against $36,557 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #16 of 414 nationally, this is a top-5% Sociology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $58,859 show a 61% jump from the $36,557 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-Channel Islands

California State University-Channel Islands has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 5,230 students in Camarillo, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Channel Islands →

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

Compare Sociology

Other Majors at California State University-Channel Islands

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at California State University-Channel Islands?
A score of 53/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Sociology field.
Will AI replace Sociology careers?
With 42% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $520,272 in decade earnings vs $573,579 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State University-Channel Islands's Sociology program stand out?
Ranked #16 of 414 programs nationally, California State University-Channel Islands lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →