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Sociology at Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $58,541/yr (70% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 2.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #15 of 414 Sociology programs Top 5%

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	$755K	$731K	$649K
Earnings Multiple	2.7x	2.6x	2.3x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	54	53	49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$276,180

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$80,592

71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

5.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$93,017

59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Columbia University in the City of New York Sociology graduates command $58,541/yr out of the gate, well above the $34,392 national median. That 70% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $58,541 in annual earnings.

Columbia University in the City of New York ranks #15 among 414 Sociology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $58,541-to-$93,017 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Columbia University in the City of New York

Only 4% of applicants gain admission to Columbia University in the City of New York, reflecting elite selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 8,899 in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $80,592 over four years — 71% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbia University in the City of New York →

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 Columbia University in the City of New York

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

What does a 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Columbia University in the City of New York?

At 53/100, Columbia University in the City of New York's Sociology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at Columbia University in the City of New York?

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.

Is Columbia University in the City of New York one of the best schools for Sociology?

Among 414 Sociology programs, Columbia University in the City of New York's #15 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

What do students actually pay for Sociology at Columbia University in the City of New York?

The 71% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $276,180. At a net cost of $80,592, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

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