Sociology at SUNY Buffalo State University
Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,676/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk
High (42% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI
15.1x earnings multiple (6.8x 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 | $513K | $511K | $477K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.1x | 15.1x | 14.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.8x | 6.8x | 6.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 44% | 34% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 38 | 37 | 36 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,944
Out-of-state: $75,624 (6.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,370
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,196
65% growth from Year 1
About SUNY Buffalo State University
SUNY Buffalo State University has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,358 students in Buffalo, NY. 53% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at SUNY Buffalo 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 SUNY Buffalo 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 SUNY Buffalo State University?
A score of 37/100 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 $477,316 in decade earnings vs $512,960 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Sociology from SUNY Buffalo State 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 →