Sociology at University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,367/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #246 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 $562K $555K $512K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.9x 9.8x 9.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,680
Out-of-state: $179,788 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,828
3% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,300
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,798
83% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Riverside's Sociology program produces graduates earning $29,367/yr — within striking distance of the $34,392 national average for this field.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.8x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $16,300 represents roughly 7 months of the $29,367 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #246 of 414 Sociology programs, University of California-Riverside falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $53,798 show a 83% jump from the $29,367 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of California-Riverside

University of California-Riverside's 63% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with 22,644 students enrolled in Riverside, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Riverside →

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 University of California-Riverside

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 University of California-Riverside?
A score of 36/100 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 $511,729 in decade earnings vs $561,525 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →