Sociology at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,939/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #266 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 $491K $491K $462K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.8x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,796
Out-of-state: $134,868 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,632
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,645
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,038
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $30,939/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.8x 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 $20,645 against $30,939/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #266 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Indiana University-Indianapolis in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 46% earnings increase from $30,939 to $45,038 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indiana University-Indianapolis accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 16,582 students in Indianapolis, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Indianapolis →

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 Indiana University-Indianapolis

Consider the Trade Route?

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 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Indiana University-Indianapolis?
At 35/100, 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 Indiana University-Indianapolis?
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 →