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Sociology at Roanoke College

Salem, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,983/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #263 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 $471K $473K $447K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.2x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$147,096
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$111,144
24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Roanoke College's Sociology graduates start at $38,983/yr — above the $34,392 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$38,983 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #263 out of 414 programs, Roanoke College's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Roanoke College

A 80% acceptance rate means Roanoke College is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,801 students in Salem, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Roanoke College →

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

Compare this program → View all 414 schools offering Sociology →

Sociology at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($64,377) Columbia University in the City of New York ($58,541) Santa Clara University ($53,612) Colgate University ($51,788) Trinity College ($50,077) King's College ($48,529) Barnard College ($48,215) Boston College ($48,091)

Other Majors at Roanoke College

Business Administration, Management and Operations ($45,557) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($39,588) Biology, General ($37,458) Communication and Media Studies ($36,220) Psychology, General ($32,550) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($27,304) History ($25,940) Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies ($19,925)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Roanoke College's Sociology program score?
This program scores 36/100 — 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 →