Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $32,973 track close to the $34,392 national median for Sociology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Sociology programs nationally.
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 7% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $19,448 represents roughly 7 months of the $32,973 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #172 of 414 Sociology programs, Ball State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $50,157 show a 52% jump from the $32,973 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.