Sociology at Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,150/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk
High (42% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI
10.1x earnings multiple
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 | $513K | $511K | $477K |
| Earnings Multiple | 10.1x | 10.1x | 9.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 44% | 34% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 40 | 38 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$50,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,637
41% growth from Year 1
About Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University accepts 70% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 11,277 students in Dekalb, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois University →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Sociologists
$101,690/yr
Sociology teachers, postsecondary
$82,540/yr
Compare & Explore
Sociology at Other Schools
Other Majors at Northern Illinois 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
How does Northern Illinois University's Sociology program score?
This program scores 40/100 — on the lower end for Sociology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Sociology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Sociology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →