Sociology at California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,378/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 17.7x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #168 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 $495K $495K $465K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.7x 17.7x 16.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.6x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,920
Out-of-state: $75,440 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$25,920
7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,384
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,378/yr, Sociology graduates from California State University-Fresno land near the $34,392 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 17.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $11,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #168 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places California State University-Fresno in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 49% earnings increase from $30,378 to $45,384 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California State University-Fresno

With 96% of applicants admitted, California State University-Fresno prioritizes broad access, with 21,070 students enrolled in Fresno, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

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

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

Other Majors at California State University-Fresno

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 does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at California State University-Fresno?
At 40/100, 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 University-Fresno?
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 →