Sociology at Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,207/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #187 of 414 Sociology programs Top 50%

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 $542K $538K $498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.3x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.5x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 40 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,408
Out-of-state: $97,804 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,284
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,231
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,686
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,207 track close to the $34,392 national median for Sociology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Sociology programs nationally.

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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,231 represents roughly 8 months of the $32,207 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #187 of 414 Sociology programs, Texas Tech University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $52,686 show a 64% jump from the $32,207 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University has a 71% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 32,446 in Lubbock, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas Tech 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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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 Texas Tech University?
A score of 40/100 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 $497,937 in decade earnings vs $542,063 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →