Sociology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,501/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk
High (42% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI
17.8x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
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 | $570K | $563K | $518K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 18.0x | 17.8x | 16.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.2x | 7.1x | 6.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 44% | 34% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 39 | 38 | 38 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (7.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,755
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,759
111% growth from Year 1
About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
A 99% acceptance rate means California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Sociologists
$101,690/yr
Sociology teachers, postsecondary
$82,540/yr
Compare & Explore
Sociology at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
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 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
At 38/100, 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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
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.
Is California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt a good choice for Sociology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →