Sociology at Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $64,377/yr (87% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #52 of 414 Sociology programs Top 25%

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 $621K $610K $554K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$262,956
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$114,476
56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,250
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,367
16% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $64,377 per year, Sociology graduates from Dartmouth College significantly outpace the $34,392 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 2.3x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $19,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #52 out of 414 programs, Dartmouth College's Sociology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $64,377 to $74,367 over five years (16% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Dartmouth College

With just 6% of applicants admitted, Dartmouth College ranks among the nation's most selective schools, a compact campus enrolling 4,367 students in Hanover, NH. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $114,476 — 56% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Dartmouth 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

Sociology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Dartmouth College

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

How does Dartmouth College's Sociology program score?
This program scores 48/100 — on the lower end for Sociology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Sociology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Sociology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Dartmouth College rank so high for Sociology?
The #52 ranking out of 414 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is Sociology at Dartmouth College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $262,956, but the average net cost is $114,476 — a 56% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →