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Sociology at Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,178/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 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 $520K $517K $482K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.7x 11.7x 10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.5x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,332
Out-of-state: $94,732 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,092
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,935
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $43,178 per year, Sociology graduates from Western Colorado University significantly outpace the $34,392 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At #28 of 414 programs, this Sociology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 23% earnings increase from $43,178 to $52,935 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Western Colorado University

With 97% of applicants admitted, Western Colorado University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,653 students in Gunnison, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Colorado University →

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

Compare this program → View all 414 schools offering Sociology →

Sociology at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($64,377) Columbia University in the City of New York ($58,541) Santa Clara University ($53,612) Colgate University ($51,788) Trinity College ($50,077) King's College ($48,529) Barnard College ($48,215) Boston College ($48,091)

Other Majors at Western Colorado University

Economics ($53,403) Accounting and Related Services ($47,204) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($41,886) Psychology, General ($32,352) Political Science and Government ($30,272) Biology, General ($29,881) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($26,123) Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies ($25,903)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Western Colorado University?
At 50/100, Western Colorado University's Sociology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at Western Colorado University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →