Sociology at Dominican University

River Forest, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,657/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #374 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 $539K $535K $496K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$151,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,452
60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,989
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,657 track close to the $34,392 national median for Sociology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 3.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$31,657 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #374 out of 414 programs, Dominican University's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $31,657 to $51,989 over five years (64% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Dominican University

Dominican University has a 80% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 2,271 students in River Forest, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 49% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $60,452 over four years represents a 60% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Dominican 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 Dominican University

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

How does Dominican University's Sociology program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Sociology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
How affordable is Sociology at Dominican University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $151,376, but the average net cost is $60,452 — a 60% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →