Sociology at California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,126/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 17.0x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #156 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 $524K $521K $485K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.1x 17.0x 15.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.7x 6.7x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,700
Out-of-state: $78,220 (6.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$23,672
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,613
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,287
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $30,126/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 17.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $30,126 far exceeding the $12,613 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #156 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places California State University-San Bernardino in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $30,126-to-$49,287 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-San Bernardino

California State University-San Bernardino accepts 98% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 15,771 in San Bernardino, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 57% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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-San Bernardino

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at California State University-San Bernardino?
At 41/100, 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-San Bernardino?
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 →