Sociology at St Bonaventure University

Saint Bonaventure, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,475/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #412 of 414 Sociology programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for St. Bonaventure's Sociology program reflects a unique combination of factors. Located in a more rural region of Western New York, the immediate local job market offers fewer high-paying opportunities typically found in larger urban centers for sociology graduates. While the degree provides a strong foundation in critical thinking and research, many initial roles often fall into community-based services, non-profit administration, or entry-level general management, which tend to have more modest starting salaries. The higher-earning career paths like professional sociologists or postsecondary teachers usually require advanced degrees and significant experience, which aren't typically reflected in early-career bachelor's outcomes. Furthermore, the broad applicability of sociology means you'll need to actively define your niche. To maximize your post-graduation prospects, consider pairing your sociology studies with practical minors in areas like data analytics, public policy, or business, and aggressively pursue internships to build directly applicable skills and professional networks. This proactive approach will be crucial for navigating the regional labor market and mitigating the AI risk associated with some administrative roles.

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 $565K $559K $514K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 21 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$160,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$108,604
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,855
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,544
115% growth from Year 1

About St Bonaventure University

With 82% of applicants admitted, St Bonaventure University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,892 in Saint Bonaventure, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $108,604 over four years — 32% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at St Bonaventure 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 St Bonaventure University?
A score of 21/100 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 $514,392 in decade earnings vs $565,281 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Sociology from St Bonaventure University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →