Sociology at California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
47
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,541/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk
High (42% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI
16.9x earnings multiple (6.7x 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 | $527K | $524K | $487K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 17.0x | 16.9x | 15.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.7x | 6.7x | 6.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 44% | 34% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 47 | 47 | 45 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,956
Out-of-state: $78,476 (6.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,480
49% growth from Year 1
About California State University-San Marcos
California State University-San Marcos has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 14,174 students in San Marcos, CA. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-San Marcos →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 University-San Marcos
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 does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at California State University-San Marcos?
At 47/100, 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 University-San Marcos?
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 University-San Marcos one of the best schools for Sociology?
Among 414 Sociology programs, California State University-San Marcos's #74 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →