Sociology at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,580/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #331 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 $642K $628K $569K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,625
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,128
89% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Southern California's Sociology program produces graduates earning $35,580/yr — within striking distance of the $34,392 national average for this field.

The financial case is thin at 2.3x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Sociology's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,625 in median debt clears quickly against $35,580 in annual earnings.

Ranked #331 of 414 Sociology programs, University of Southern California falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $67,128 show a 89% jump from the $35,580 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Southern California

Only 10% of applicants gain admission to University of Southern California, reflecting elite selectivity, serving a student body of 20,817 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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 Southern California

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at University of Southern California?
A score of 31/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Sociology careers?
With 42% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $568,614 in decade earnings vs $641,790 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is University of Southern California a hidden gem for Sociology?
After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below the $272,948 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →