Sociology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Indiana, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,323/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #305 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 $455K $459K $437K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.0x 10.1x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 7.0x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,520
Out-of-state: $65,188 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,864
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,930
24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,323/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.1x 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 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $32,323 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #305 of 414 Sociology programs, Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $32,323 to $39,930 over five years — a 24% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 6,893 students in Indiana, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus →

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 of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

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 Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus?
A score of 33/100 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 $436,555 in decade earnings vs $455,452 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →