Sociology at Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,026/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #409 of 414 Sociology programs

Program Analysis

The earnings trends for Sociology graduates from Ithaca College reflect the unique dynamics of a strong liberal arts program in a specific regional labor market. Located in a vibrant college town rather than a major economic hub, many graduates may initially find opportunities in local non-profits, community organizations, or pursue further academic study, fields that often don't command the highest starting salaries. Ithaca's program likely excels at developing critical thinking, research skills, and a deep understanding of social systems. While these are invaluable, translating them into high-paying roles typically requires intentional effort. Many sociology graduates pursue careers in areas like human resources, market research, public policy analysis, or social work, leveraging their analytical and interpersonal strengths. Your success hinges on proactively building practical skills through internships and networking, especially if your career aspirations lie outside the immediate Ithaca area or in more corporate sectors. Consider pairing your major with a minor or practical certifications to broaden your appeal.

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 $389K $398K $389K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,040
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$131,860
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
12.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$44,543
85% growth from Year 1

About Ithaca College

With a 70% acceptance rate, Ithaca College is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 4,350 in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $131,860 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Ithaca College →

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 Ithaca College

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Ithaca College?
A score of 22/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Sociology at Ithaca College worth the student debt?
Median debt of $25,000 against $24,026/yr starting salary means roughly 1.0 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 $389,371 in decade earnings vs $388,870 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Sociology from Ithaca College?
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 →