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Sociology at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,709/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)

ROI 2.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #321 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	$625K	$613K	$557K
Earnings Multiple	2.4x	2.3x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	32	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$264,056

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$129,348

51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$11,650

3.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$65,655

79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,709/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $11,650 in median debt against $36,709 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #321 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Cornell University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $36,709-to-$65,655 earnings arc over five years reflects a 79% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Cornell University

Cornell University admits 8% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a mid-sized student body of 15,935 in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell 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 Cornell 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 does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Cornell University?

At 32/100, 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 Cornell University?

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 Cornell University?

The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,056. At a net cost of $129,348, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →