Sociology at Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,075/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 21.9x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #29 of 414 Sociology programs Top 10%

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 $493K $493K $463K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.9x 21.9x 20.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.3x 7.3x 6.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$22,532
Out-of-state: $67,244 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,972
-140% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,378
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,473
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,075 at Fort Hays State University come in 11% above the national median of $34,392 for Sociology programs.

With a 21.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,378 against $38,075/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #29 of 414 programs, this Sociology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 25% earnings increase from $38,075 to $47,473 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 9,792 students in Hays, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Fort Hays 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 Fort Hays State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Fort Hays State University?
At 50/100, Fort Hays State University's Sociology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at Fort Hays State 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 →