Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $24,468 place East Tennessee State University below the $34,392 national median for Sociology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Sociology programs nationally.
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 3% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $17,495 represents roughly 9 months of the $24,468 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #393 of 414 Sociology programs, East Tennessee State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $24,468 to $33,474 over five years — a 37% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.