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Sociology at Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,320/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 8.4x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #184 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	$528K	$525K	$488K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.5x	8.4x	7.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.3x	3.3x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	40	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$62,216

Out-of-state: $157,992 (3.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$88,448

-42% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,500

7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,266

44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,320 at Clemson University come in 6% above the national median of $34,392 for Sociology programs.

A 8.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,500 against $36,320/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #184 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Clemson University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 44% earnings increase from $36,320 to $52,266 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Clemson University

Clemson University accepts 38% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 22,778 in Clemson, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Clemson 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 Clemson 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 does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Clemson University?

At 40/100, 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 Clemson University?

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 →