Sociology at Francis Marion University

Florence, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,982/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #356 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 $456K $460K $437K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.3x 9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.3x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 30 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,640
Out-of-state: $86,176 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,804
-21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
12.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,185
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,982 per year, Sociology graduates from Francis Marion University earn below the $34,392 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.3x 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 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $31,000 against $28,982/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.1 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #356 of 414 Sociology programs, Francis Marion University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $28,982 to $39,185 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Francis Marion University

With 82% of applicants admitted, Francis Marion University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,640 students in Florence, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Francis Marion 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 Francis Marion University

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Francis Marion University?
A score of 30/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Sociology at Francis Marion University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $31,000 against $28,982/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
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 $437,160 in decade earnings vs $456,305 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Sociology from Francis Marion University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →