Sociology at California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,714/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 18.8x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #47 of 414 Sociology programs Top 25%

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 $536K $532K $493K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.9x 18.8x 17.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.1x 7.0x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,292
Out-of-state: $75,812 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$22,584
20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,399
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,832
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,714/yr, Sociology graduates from California State University-Fullerton land near the $34,392 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 18.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $13,399 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

California State University-Fullerton ranks #47 among 414 Sociology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $34,714-to-$52,832 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Fullerton

With 87% of applicants admitted, California State University-Fullerton prioritizes broad access, with 36,956 students enrolled in Fullerton, CA. With 47% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

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

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-Fullerton

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at California State University-Fullerton?
At 48/100, 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-Fullerton?
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 University-Fullerton one of the best schools for Sociology?
Among 414 Sociology programs, California State University-Fullerton's #47 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →