Sociologyat National University
Graduates earn $46,505/yr in their first year — about 35.0% above the national Sociology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $523K; scenarios range from $486K to $526K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at National University
Your strong earnings potential with a Sociology degree from National University reflects a program likely tailored for applied skills within the dynamic San Diego job market. Graduates often translate their deep understanding of human behavior and social systems into management roles across diverse local sectors like healthcare, tech, and the robust non-profit community. The university's strong ties to regional employers and its focus on adult learners mean you're entering a professional network primed for career advancement, particularly in positions requiring sharp analytical and interpersonal capabilities. While some sociological tasks face AI risk, your pathway into management suggests you'll develop invaluable leadership and strategic thinking skills less susceptible to automation. To maximize your trajectory, actively seek internships or projects that combine sociological theory with practical data analysis or project coordination experience.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to National University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Sociology
How National University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at National University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at National University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Sociology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Sociology at National University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at National University?
A score of 51/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Sociology field.
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 $486,336 in decade earnings vs $525,694 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes National University's Sociology program stand out?
Ranked #21 of 414 programs nationally, National University lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.