Sociology at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,410/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #211 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 $542K $537K $498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.7x 10.6x 9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.6x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,608
Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,688
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,287
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,410/yr, Sociology graduates from Northern Arizona University land near the $34,392 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Sociology programs nationally.

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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,250 represents roughly 9 months of the $31,410 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #211 of 414 Sociology programs, Northern Arizona University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $52,287 show a 66% jump from the $31,410 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Northern Arizona University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Northern Arizona University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 23,041 in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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 Northern Arizona University

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Northern Arizona University?
A score of 38/100 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 $497,730 in decade earnings vs $541,769 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →