Sociology at Boise State University

Boise, ID · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,809/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #299 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 $489K $490K $461K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.9x 13.9x 13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.5x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,128
Out-of-state: $107,904 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,728
-118% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,635
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,175
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,809 per year, Sociology graduates from Boise State University earn below the $34,392 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.9x 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 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,635 represents roughly 11 months of the $26,809 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #299 of 414 Sociology programs, Boise State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $43,175 show a 61% jump from the $26,809 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Boise State University

With 84% of applicants admitted, Boise State University prioritizes broad access, serving 17,081 students in Boise, ID.

See all programs and financial aid at Boise State 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 Boise State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Boise State University?
A score of 33/100 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 $460,544 in decade earnings vs $489,300 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Sociology from Boise State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →