Sociology at Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
55
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,896/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 17.9x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 414 Sociology programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

Sonoma State's Sociology program consistently delivers strong outcomes, positioning graduates well within California's competitive labor market. The North Bay location, while distinct from Silicon Valley, still benefits from the state's higher baseline salaries and a diverse regional economy spanning non-profits, local government, education, and even tech-adjacent roles. This environment often translates into better compensation for roles utilizing your critical thinking, research, and human behavior analysis skills. Many graduates find success in management positions because these analytical abilities are highly valued in leadership, HR, and project coordination across various industries. While some routine tasks within certain roles face AI disruption, the core human-centered problem-solving and understanding of social dynamics you'll develop are increasingly critical. To truly maximize your potential, actively pursue internships and engage with the program's research opportunities to build a portfolio of applied experience.

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 $597K $588K $537K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.2x 17.9x 16.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.3x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 55 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,760
Out-of-state: $80,280 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,204
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,000
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,652
65% growth from Year 1

About Sonoma State University

A 95% acceptance rate means Sonoma State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,374 students in Rohnert Park, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Sonoma 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

Compare Sociology

Other Majors at Sonoma State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Sonoma State University?
A score of 55/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Sociology field.
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 $537,077 in decade earnings vs $597,290 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Sonoma State University's Sociology program stand out?
Ranked #6 of 414 programs nationally, Sonoma State University lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →