Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $29,714 track close to the $34,392 national median for Sociology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
An earnings multiple of 3.0x 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 $26,943 debt-to-$29,714 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #396 out of 414 programs, North Central College's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $29,714 to $50,634 over five years (70% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.