Sociology at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,612/yr (56% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #40 of 414 Sociology programs Top 10%

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 $661K $646K $582K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$236,964
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$203,836
14% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,833
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Santa Clara University Sociology graduates command $53,612/yr out of the gate, well above the $34,392 national median. That 56% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The financial case is thin at 2.7x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #40 of 414 programs, Santa Clara University's Sociology program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $53,612 to $77,833 over five years — a 45% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University's 44% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, enrolling 6,235 students in Santa Clara, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Santa Clara 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

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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 Santa Clara University?
A score of 49/100 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 $582,302 in decade earnings vs $661,106 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →