Sociology at Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,687/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #129 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 $472K $474K $448K
Earnings Multiple 9.2x 9.3x 8.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$51,016
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,532
21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,250
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,616
5% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $42,687/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.3x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 5% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $31,250 represents roughly 9 months of the $42,687 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #129 of 414 Sociology programs, Chicago State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $44,616 are relatively flat compared to the $42,687 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Chicago State University

With a 41% acceptance rate, Chicago State University is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 1,414 students in Chicago, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 55% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Chicago State 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 Chicago State University

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 Chicago State University?
A score of 43/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $448,118 in decade earnings vs $471,764 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →