Sociology at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
46
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,136/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 15.5x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #78 of 414 Sociology programs Top 25%

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 $518K $515K $481K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.6x 15.5x 14.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.4x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 46 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,696
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,500
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,363
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,136/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 15.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $35,136 far exceeding the $12,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #78 out of 414 programs, San Diego State University's Sociology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,136 to $50,363 shows 43% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University accepts 34% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 33,654 students enrolled in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State 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 San Diego State 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 San Diego State University's Sociology program score?
This program scores 46/100 — 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.
Why does San Diego State University rank so high for Sociology?
The #78 ranking out of 414 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →