Sociology at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,529/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #143 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 $526K $523K $487K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.6x 12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 7.0x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,604
Out-of-state: $74,764 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,496
-59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,647
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,024
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Sociology program produces graduates earning $33,529/yr — within striking distance of the $34,392 national average for this field.

The 13.6x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,647 debt-to-$33,529 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #143 out of 414 programs, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Sociology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $33,529 to $51,024 over five years (52% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

A 73% acceptance rate means University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is accessible to most applicants, serving 9,194 students in La Crosse, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse →

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 Wisconsin-La Crosse

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

How does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Sociology program score?
This program scores 43/100 — 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 →