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Sociology at Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,296/yr (-12% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #231 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	$538K	$534K	$495K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.4x	11.3x	10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.3x	3.3x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$47,160

Out-of-state: $161,928 (3.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$61,368

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,982

7.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$51,247

69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Indiana University-Bloomington's Sociology program produces graduates earning $30,296/yr — within striking distance of the $34,392 national average for this field.

With a 11.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $18,982 against $30,296/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #231 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Indiana University-Bloomington in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,296-to-$51,247 earnings arc over five years reflects a 69% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Indiana University-Bloomington

A 80% acceptance rate means Indiana University-Bloomington is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 36,571 students in Bloomington, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Bloomington →

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 Indiana University-Bloomington

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Indiana University-Bloomington?

At 37/100, 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 Indiana University-Bloomington?

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 →