Sociology at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,034/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #116 of 414 Sociology programs Top 50%

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 $525K $522K $486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.2x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,436
Out-of-state: $153,460 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,168
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,143
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,440
38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,034/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.2x 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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,143 represents roughly 6 months of the $38,034 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #116 of 414 Sociology programs, Ohio State University-Main Campus scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $38,034 to $52,440 over five years — a 38% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

With a 51% acceptance rate, Ohio State University-Main Campus is moderately selective, serving a student body of 44,617 in Columbus, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio State University-Main Campus →

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 Ohio State University-Main Campus

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 Ohio State University-Main Campus?
A score of 44/100 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 $485,941 in decade earnings vs $525,133 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →