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Sociology at Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,749/yr (39% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #173 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 $519K $517K $481K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,640
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,144
68% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $47,749 put Bowdoin College's Sociology program 39% above the national median of $34,392 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 2.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #173 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Bowdoin College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Bowdoin College

Bowdoin College's 8% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, a compact campus enrolling 1,846 students in Brunswick, ME. The average net cost of $83,144 over four years represents a 68% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bowdoin 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

Compare this program → View all 414 schools offering Sociology →

Sociology at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($64,377) Columbia University in the City of New York ($58,541) Santa Clara University ($53,612) Colgate University ($51,788) Trinity College ($50,077) King's College ($48,529) Barnard College ($48,215) Boston College ($48,091)

Other Majors at Bowdoin College

Mathematics ($90,213) Economics ($75,867) Political Science and Government ($60,626) English Language and Literature, General ($49,421) Area Studies ($45,315) Neurobiology and Neurosciences ($43,373)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Bowdoin College?
At 40/100, 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 Bowdoin 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.
What do students actually pay for Sociology at Bowdoin College?
The 68% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $259,640. At a net cost of $83,144, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →