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Sociology at Salem State University

Salem, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,822/yr (16% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #51 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	$541K	$536K	$497K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.3x	11.2x	10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.1x	7.1x	6.6x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	49	48	45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$47,912

Out-of-state: $75,844 (7.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,764

-54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,250

7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,337

39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Salem State University's Sociology graduates start at $39,822/yr — above the $34,392 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 11.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,250 against $39,822/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Salem State University ranks #51 among 414 Sociology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 39% earnings increase from $39,822 to $55,337 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Salem State University

A 96% acceptance rate means Salem State University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 4,286 students in Salem, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Salem State 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 Salem State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Salem State University?

At 48/100, 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 Salem State University?

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 Salem State University one of the best schools for Sociology?

Among 414 Sociology programs, Salem State University's #51 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 →