Sociology at Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,139/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 6.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #406 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 $455K $458K $436K
Earnings Multiple 6.7x 6.7x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$68,184
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$84,928
-25% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
15.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,339
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Claflin University's Sociology graduates start at $24,139/yr, trailing the $34,392 national average by 30%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 6.7x 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 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $31,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $24,139 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #406 out of 414 programs, Claflin University's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $24,139 to $37,339 over five years (55% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Claflin University

A 73% acceptance rate means Claflin University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,727 students in Orangeburg, SC. 73% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Claflin 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 Claflin 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

How does Claflin University's Sociology program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Sociology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Claflin University Sociology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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 Claflin University?
Lower starting pay at Claflin 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 →