Sociology at Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,753/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #357 of 414 Sociology programs

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 $500K $500K $468K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 30 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$219,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$167,768
24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,937
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,488
28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,753/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The financial case is thin at 2.3x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 $25,937 represents roughly 8 months of the $37,753 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #357 of 414 Sociology programs, Baylor University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $37,753 to $48,488 over five years — a 28% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Baylor University

With a 51% acceptance rate, Baylor University is moderately selective, enrolling 15,007 students in Waco, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Baylor 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

Sociology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Baylor University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Baylor University?
A score of 30/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Sociology careers?
With 42% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $468,288 in decade earnings vs $500,225 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →