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Sociology at McKendree University

Lebanon, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,015/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #251 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 $506K $504K $472K
Earnings Multiple 3.7x 3.7x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$136,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$96,760
29% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,625
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,911
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $40,015 at McKendree University come in 16% above the national median of $34,392 for Sociology programs.

At 3.7x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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 $25,625 against $40,015/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #251 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places McKendree University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 25% earnings increase from $40,015 to $49,911 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About McKendree University

A 64% admission rate makes McKendree University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a smaller student body of 1,600 in Lebanon, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at McKendree 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 McKendree University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($73,156) Accounting and Related Services ($55,313) Mathematics ($51,157) Human Resources Management and Services ($49,505) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($45,899) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,707) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($43,339) Marketing ($34,872)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at McKendree University?
At 36/100, 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 McKendree 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 →