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Sociology at University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,306/yr (-24% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 10.8x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #380 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	$449K	$429K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.7x	10.8x	10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.6x	4.7x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	27	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,672

Out-of-state: $96,584 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,472

-36% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,250

11.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$36,661

39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Sociology graduates start at $26,306/yr, trailing the $34,392 national average by 24%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 10.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,250 debt-to-$26,306 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #380 out of 414 programs, University of Louisiana at Lafayette's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $26,306 to $36,661 shows 39% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Louisiana at Lafayette

A 89% acceptance rate means University of Louisiana at Lafayette is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 12,269 in Lafayette, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Louisiana at Lafayette →

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 Louisiana at Lafayette

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

How does University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Sociology program score?

This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Sociology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Sociology to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Sociology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Sociology earnings lower at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?

Lower starting pay at University of Louisiana at Lafayette may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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