Program Analysis
Graduates earn $35,150/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 10.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt-to-$35,150 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #171 out of 414 programs, Northern Illinois University's Sociology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,150 to $49,637 shows 41% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.