Sociology at Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,268/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 8.6x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #274 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 $511K $510K $476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.7x 8.6x 8.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.3x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,064
Out-of-state: $96,504 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,636
4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,455
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,268/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.6x 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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,250 represents roughly 8 months of the $32,268 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #274 of 414 Sociology programs, Montclair State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $48,455 show a 50% jump from the $32,268 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Montclair State University

Montclair State University accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 17,677 students in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Montclair State 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

Sociology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Montclair State 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Montclair State University?
A score of 35/100 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 $476,215 in decade earnings vs $511,413 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →