Sociology at Lamar University
Beaumont, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,370
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
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
Compare & Explore
Sociology at Other Schools
Other Majors at Lamar University
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 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 →