Sociology at Kent State University at Kent

Kent, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,183/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #376 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 $451K $455K $433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.8x 8.9x 8.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.1x 5.1x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,384
Out-of-state: $89,264 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,456
-53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
9.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,423
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $29,183/yr fall 15% below the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.9x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 $23,250 represents roughly 10 months of the $29,183 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #376 of 414 Sociology programs, Kent State University at Kent falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $29,183 to $38,423 over five years — a 32% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Kent State University at Kent

Kent State University at Kent has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 19,134 students in Kent, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Kent State University at Kent →

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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Kent State University at Kent?
A score of 28/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $433,420 in decade earnings vs $451,028 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Sociology from Kent State University at Kent?
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 →