Sociology at Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,985/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #30 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 $521K $518K $483K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.9x 11.8x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.7x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,768
Out-of-state: $111,264 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,532
-63% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,746
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,046
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $42,985 per year, Sociology graduates from Kansas State University earn slightly above the $34,392 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

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 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,746 against $42,985/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #30 of 414 programs, this Sociology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 23% earnings increase from $42,985 to $53,046 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Kansas State University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Kansas State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 14,835 students in Manhattan, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Kansas 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 Kansas State University

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 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Kansas State University?
At 50/100, Kansas 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 Kansas 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 →