Sociology at Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,126/yr (-41% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #362 of 414 Sociology programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for Sociology at Oakland University often reflects the broader dynamics of the region's labor market and the initial career paths for many liberal arts graduates. While a sociology degree provides invaluable critical thinking and research skills, direct, high-paying "sociologist" roles typically require graduate-level education. Many Oakland grads initially find themselves in vital, but moderately compensated, positions within local non-profits, government agencies, or entry-level HR and administrative roles in the Detroit metro area, where the degree serves as a strong generalist foundation rather than a specialized credential. Your success hinges on actively seeking internships and pairing your studies with practical skills like data analysis, project management, or a complementary minor to build a distinct professional profile that stands out to employers.

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 $602K $592K $541K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.1x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.4x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,776
Out-of-state: $92,752 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,336
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,333
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,583
156% growth from Year 1

About Oakland University

Oakland University has a 70% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 12,450 in Rochester Hills, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland University?
A score of 29/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Sociology at Oakland University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $20,333 against $20,126/yr starting salary means roughly 1.0 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
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 $540,637 in decade earnings vs $602,314 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Sociology from Oakland University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →