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Sociology at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,551/yr (32% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #136 of 414 Sociology programs Top 50%

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 $664K $648K $584K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$263,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$137,816
48% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,020
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Duke University Sociology graduates command $45,551/yr out of the gate, well above the $34,392 national median. That 32% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #136 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Duke University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $45,551-to-$75,020 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Duke University

Only 7% of applicants gain admission to Duke University, reflecting elite selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 6,417 in Durham, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $137,816 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Duke 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

Compare this program → View all 414 schools offering Sociology →

Sociology at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($64,377) Columbia University in the City of New York ($58,541) Santa Clara University ($53,612) Colgate University ($51,788) Trinity College ($50,077) King's College ($48,529) Barnard College ($48,215) Boston College ($48,091)

Other Majors at Duke University

Computer Science ($133,356) Mathematics ($121,088) Computer Engineering ($111,145) Economics ($98,649) Statistics ($97,197) Mechanical Engineering ($89,938) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($77,288) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($69,873)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Duke University?
At 43/100, 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 Duke 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →