Sociology at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,457/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #235 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 $666K $651K $586K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.5x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 37 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,672
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,984
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,375
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,736
87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,457 per year, Sociology graduates from Boston University earn slightly above the $34,392 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

An earnings multiple of 2.5x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,375 debt-to-$38,457 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #235 out of 414 programs, Boston University's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $38,457 to $71,736 over five years (87% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Boston University

With just 11% of applicants admitted, Boston University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, enrolling 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston 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 Boston 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

How does Boston University's Sociology program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Sociology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Sociology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Sociology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Sociology at Boston University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $260,672, but the average net cost is $107,984 — a 59% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →