Sociology at Providence College

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,983/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #311 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 $634K $621K $563K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$243,392
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$182,152
25% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,380
84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,983/yr, Sociology graduates from Providence College land near the $34,392 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The financial case is thin at 2.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 11% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $35,983 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #311 of 414 Sociology programs, Providence College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $66,380 show a 84% jump from the $35,983 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Providence College

Providence College accepts 49% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,170 in Providence, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at Providence 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 Providence College

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 Providence College?
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 $562,961 in decade earnings vs $633,816 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →