Sociology at McDaniel College

Westminster, MD · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,728/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #319 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 $542K $538K $498K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$198,588
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,692
58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,923
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,728/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

An earnings multiple of 2.7x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

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

The $25,000 debt-to-$37,728 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #319 out of 414 programs, McDaniel College's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $37,728 to $54,923 shows 46% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About McDaniel College

McDaniel College has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 1,652 students in Westminster, MD. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $83,692 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at McDaniel College →

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 McDaniel College

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 McDaniel College's Sociology program score?
This program scores 32/100 — 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 McDaniel College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $198,588, but the average net cost is $83,692 — a 58% 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 →