Program Analysis
Graduates earn $32,781/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.6x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
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 6% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $23,500 represents roughly 9 months of the $32,781 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #295 of 414 Sociology programs, Virginia Commonwealth University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $32,781 to $46,863 over five years — a 43% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.