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Sociology at Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,785/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)

ROI 9.0x earnings multiple

Ranked #338 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	$515K	$513K	$478K
Earnings Multiple	9.1x	9.0x	8.4x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	31	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$56,760

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,164

-13% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

11.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,455

65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,785 per year, Sociology graduates from Central Michigan University earn below the $34,392 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 9.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$28,785 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #338 out of 414 programs, Central Michigan University's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $28,785 to $47,455 over five years (65% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Central Michigan University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Central Michigan University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 9,916 students in Mount Pleasant, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Michigan University →

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 Central Michigan University

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

How does Central Michigan University's Sociology program score?

This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for Sociology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Sociology to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Sociology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Sociology earnings lower at Central Michigan University?

Lower starting pay at Central Michigan University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →