Sociology at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,922/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #267 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 $466K $469K $444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.8x 8.9x 8.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,872
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,041
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,327
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,922/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 8.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,041 against $34,922/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #267 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places University of Kentucky in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 21% earnings increase from $34,922 to $42,327 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 23,189 students in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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 Kentucky

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of Kentucky?
At 35/100, 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 University of Kentucky?
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 →