Home › University of Notre Dame › Sociology

Sociology at University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,915/yr (4% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 3.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #148 of 414 Sociology programs Top 50%

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	$839K	$808K	$709K
Earnings Multiple	3.3x	3.2x	2.8x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	42	40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$250,772

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$111,292

56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,800

6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$88,792

147% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Notre Dame's Sociology program produces graduates earning $35,915/yr — within striking distance of the $34,392 national average for this field.

At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,800 against $35,915/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #148 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places University of Notre Dame in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $35,915-to-$88,792 earnings arc over five years reflects a 147% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Notre Dame

Only 12% of applicants gain admission to University of Notre Dame, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 8,923 students in Notre Dame, IN. The average net cost of $111,292 over four years represents a 56% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Notre Dame →

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 Notre Dame

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

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of Notre Dame?

At 42/100, 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 Notre Dame?

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.

What do students actually pay for Sociology at University of Notre Dame?

The 56% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $250,772. At a net cost of $111,292, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

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