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Sociology at University of Hawaii at Hilo

Hilo, HI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,414/yr (-29% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 14.3x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #373 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	$445K	$450K	$429K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.2x	14.3x	13.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.4x	5.4x	5.2x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	28	28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$31,352

Out-of-state: $83,192 (5.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,252

-54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,662

10.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$36,076

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $24,414 per year, Sociology graduates from University of Hawaii at Hilo earn below the $34,392 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.3x 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 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,662 represents roughly 11 months of the $24,414 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #373 of 414 Sociology programs, University of Hawaii at Hilo falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $24,414 to $36,076 over five years — a 48% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Hawaii at Hilo

With 90% of applicants admitted, University of Hawaii at Hilo prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,260 students in Hilo, HI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Hawaii at Hilo →

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 Hawaii at Hilo

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at University of Hawaii at Hilo?

A score of 28/100 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 $429,489 in decade earnings vs $445,481 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Sociology from University of Hawaii at Hilo?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →