Sociology at Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,427/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 5.8x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #310 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 $511K $509K $476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 5.8x 5.8x 5.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$88,328
Out-of-state: $149,848 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,876
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,875
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,805
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,427/yr, Sociology graduates from Temple University land near the $34,392 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 5.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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 $21,875 against $33,427/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #310 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Temple University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 46% earnings increase from $33,427 to $48,805 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Temple University

With 83% of applicants admitted, Temple University prioritizes broad access, with 21,249 students enrolled in Philadelphia, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Temple 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 Temple 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 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Temple University?
At 33/100, 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 Temple 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →