Sociology at SUNY College at Potsdam

Potsdam, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,500/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 14.7x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #87 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 $514K $512K $478K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.7x 14.7x 13.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.9x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,848
Out-of-state: $74,488 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,180
-64% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,221
38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

SUNY College at Potsdam's Sociology graduates start at $36,500/yr — above the $34,392 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 14.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $36,500/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

SUNY College at Potsdam ranks #87 among 414 Sociology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 38% earnings increase from $36,500 to $50,221 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About SUNY College at Potsdam

A 85% acceptance rate means SUNY College at Potsdam is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,951 in Potsdam, NY. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY College at Potsdam →

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 SUNY College at Potsdam

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 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at SUNY College at Potsdam?
At 46/100, 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 SUNY College at Potsdam?
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 SUNY College at Potsdam one of the best schools for Sociology?
Among 414 Sociology programs, SUNY College at Potsdam's #87 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 →