Sociology at Doane University

Crete, NE · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,351/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #383 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 $509K $508K $475K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$161,964
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$112,284
31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
9.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,182
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Doane University's Sociology program produces graduates earning $32,351/yr — within striking distance of the $34,392 national average for this field.

An earnings multiple of 3.1x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $32,351 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #383 of 414 Sociology programs, Doane University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $32,351 to $48,182 over five years — a 49% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Doane University

A 90% acceptance rate means Doane University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 981 students in Crete, NE. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $112,284 — 31% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Doane 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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Doane University?
A score of 27/100 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 $474,719 in decade earnings vs $509,298 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →