Sociology at Coastal Carolina University

Conway, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,738/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #368 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 $509K $508K $475K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.9x 10.9x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,560
Out-of-state: $118,512 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,968
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,757
81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $24,738/yr fall 28% below the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.9x 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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,500 represents roughly 11 months of the $24,738 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #368 of 414 Sociology programs, Coastal Carolina University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $44,757 show a 81% jump from the $24,738 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina University has a 80% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 9,909 students in Conway, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Coastal Carolina 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 Coastal Carolina University

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Coastal Carolina University?
A score of 29/100 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 $474,544 in decade earnings vs $509,052 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Sociology from Coastal Carolina 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 →