Sociology at Salem State University
Salem, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,822/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk
High (42% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI
11.2x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
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 | $541K | $536K | $497K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.3x | 11.2x | 10.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.1x | 7.1x | 6.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 44% | 34% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 49 | 48 | 45 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,912
Out-of-state: $75,844 (7.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,250
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,337
39% growth from Year 1
About Salem State University
A 96% acceptance rate means Salem State University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 4,286 students in Salem, MA.
See all programs and financial aid at Salem State 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 Salem State University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Salem State University?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Sociology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at Salem State University?
The 42% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Salem State University one of the best schools for Sociology?
Among 414 Sociology programs, Salem State University's #51 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →