Sociology at Emporia State University

Emporia, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,313/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 16.9x earnings multiple (7.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #215 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 $496K $496K $466K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.9x 16.9x 15.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.9x 7.9x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,424
Out-of-state: $62,676 (7.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,808
-113% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,194
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Emporia State University's Sociology program produces graduates earning $29,313/yr — within striking distance of the $34,392 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.9x 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 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 11 months of the $29,313 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #215 of 414 Sociology programs, Emporia State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $45,194 show a 54% jump from the $29,313 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Emporia State University

A 98% acceptance rate means Emporia State University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,328 students in Emporia, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Emporia State 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 Emporia State University

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Emporia State University?
A score of 38/100 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 $465,597 in decade earnings vs $496,426 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →