Sociology at Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,004/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #334 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 $606K $596K $543K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.9x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$206,864
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$140,784
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,830
82% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,004/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 2.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $34,004/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #334 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Loyola University Chicago in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,004-to-$61,830 earnings arc over five years reflects a 82% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 11,576 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $140,784 over four years represents a 32% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Loyola University Chicago →

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 Loyola University Chicago

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Loyola University Chicago?
At 31/100, 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 Loyola University Chicago?
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 →