Program Analysis
Graduates earn $33,433/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Sociology programs nationally.
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 8% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $21,500 represents roughly 8 months of the $33,433 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #134 of 414 Sociology programs, University at Albany scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $53,268 show a 59% jump from the $33,433 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.