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Sociology at Lamar University

Beaumont, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,042/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #140 of 414 Sociology programs Top 50%

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 $466K $468K $444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.4x 13.5x 12.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.3x 6.3x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,760
Out-of-state: $73,928 (6.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,716
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,370
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,042 at Lamar University come in 11% above the national median of $34,392 for Sociology programs.

With a 13.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,370 against $38,042/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #140 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Lamar University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Lamar University

Lamar University accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 7,945 students in Beaumont, TX. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Lamar 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

Compare this program → View all 414 schools offering Sociology →

Sociology at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($64,377) Columbia University in the City of New York ($58,541) Santa Clara University ($53,612) Colgate University ($51,788) Trinity College ($50,077) King's College ($48,529) Barnard College ($48,215) Boston College ($48,091)

Other Majors at Lamar University

Chemical Engineering ($87,284) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($84,746) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($83,155) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($77,946) Mechanical Engineering ($68,359) Industrial Engineering ($62,053) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($54,531) Management Information Systems and Services ($44,508)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Lamar University?
At 43/100, 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 Lamar 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 →