Sociology at Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,632/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #221 of 414 Sociology programs

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 $670K $654K $589K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,244
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,104
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,358
87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,632/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The financial case is thin at 2.6x — 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.

Median debt of $24,500 represents roughly 8 months of the $38,632 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #221 of 414 Sociology programs, Syracuse University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $72,358 show a 87% jump from the $38,632 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Syracuse University

With a 42% acceptance rate, Syracuse University is moderately selective, serving 15,245 students in Syracuse, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $164,104 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Syracuse University?
A score of 38/100 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 $588,915 in decade earnings vs $670,437 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →