Sociology at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,624/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #285 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 $565K $559K $514K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,603
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,624/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

An earnings multiple of 2.2x 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 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$41,624 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #285 out of 414 programs, Northeastern University's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $41,624 to $59,603 shows 43% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Northeastern University

Northeastern University admits 6% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 15,719 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern University →

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 Northeastern University

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

How does Northeastern University's Sociology program score?
This program scores 34/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →