Home › University of Nebraska-Lincoln › Sociology

Sociology at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,809/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #66 of 414 Sociology programs Top 25%

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	$534K	$530K	$492K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.2x	13.1x	12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	4.8x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	47	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,432

Out-of-state: $110,992 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,696

-72% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,606

5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,358

45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,809 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln come in 7% above the national median of $34,392 for Sociology programs.

With a 13.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $36,809 far exceeding the $15,606 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln ranks #66 among 414 Sociology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 45% earnings increase from $36,809 to $53,358 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 18,887 in Lincoln, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska-Lincoln →

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 Nebraska-Lincoln

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 does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

At 47/100, 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 Nebraska-Lincoln?

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.

Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln one of the best schools for Sociology?

Among 414 Sociology programs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln's #66 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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