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Sociology at University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,250/yr (20% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #41 of 414 Sociology programs Top 10%

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	$506K	$505K	$473K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.0x	13.0x	12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.9x	5.9x	5.6x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	49	49	45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,912

Out-of-state: $85,088 (5.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,436

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,625

6.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$50,306

22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,250/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 13.0x 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 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,625 debt-to-$41,250 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

A #41 ranking out of 414 Sociology programs nationally puts University of Northern Iowa in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $41,250 to $50,306 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa has a 94% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 7,599 students in Cedar Falls, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Iowa →

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 Northern Iowa

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 Northern Iowa's Sociology program score?

This program scores 49/100 — 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.

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