Sociology at Barnard College

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,215/yr (40% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #113 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 $656K $641K $579K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,984
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$157,012
41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,899
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,086
56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $48,215 per year, Sociology graduates from Barnard College significantly outpace the $34,392 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $14,899 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #113 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Barnard College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $48,215-to-$75,086 earnings arc over five years reflects a 56% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Barnard College

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Barnard College ranks among the nation's most selective schools, a compact campus enrolling 3,219 students in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $157,012 over four years — 41% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Barnard College →

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 Barnard College

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

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Barnard College?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Sociology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at Barnard College?
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 →