Sociology at The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,066/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #261 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 $517K $515K $480K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.3x 13.2x 12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.1x 5.0x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,976
Out-of-state: $102,048 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,904
-10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,328
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,880
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,066 per year, Sociology graduates from The University of Texas at El Paso earn below the $34,392 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,328 against $29,066/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #261 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places The University of Texas at El Paso in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $29,066-to-$47,880 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Texas at El Paso

With 100% of applicants admitted, The University of Texas at El Paso prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 20,547 in El Paso, TX. With 61% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at El Paso →

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 The University of Texas at El Paso

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 does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at The University of Texas at El Paso?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Sociology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at The University of Texas at El Paso?
The 42% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is The University of Texas at El Paso a good choice for Sociology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas at El Paso's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →