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Sociology at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $40,451/yr (18% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #103 of 414 Sociology programs Top 25%

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	$495K	$495K	$465K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.4x	11.4x	10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.0x	8.0x	7.5x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	45	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,428

Out-of-state: $62,044 (8.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,336

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,324

6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$48,327

19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

North Dakota State University-Main Campus's Sociology graduates start at $40,451/yr — above the $34,392 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,324 against $40,451/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

North Dakota State University-Main Campus ranks #103 among 414 Sociology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $40,451 to $48,327 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About North Dakota State University-Main Campus

A 96% acceptance rate means North Dakota State University-Main Campus is accessible to most applicants, serving 9,567 students in Fargo, ND.

See all programs and financial aid at North Dakota State University-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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus

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

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?

At 45/100, 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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus?

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.

Is North Dakota State University-Main Campus one of the best schools for Sociology?

Among 414 Sociology programs, North Dakota State University-Main Campus's #103 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →