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Sociology at Troy University

Troy, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,803/yr (-22% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)

ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #349 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	$471K	$473K	$448K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.0x	12.1x	11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.0x	6.0x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	30	30	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$39,168

Out-of-state: $78,336 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,476

-42% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$32,280

14.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$40,681

52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Troy University's Sociology graduates start at $26,803/yr, trailing the $34,392 national average by 22%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 12.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $32,280 debt load exceeds a year of the $26,803 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #349 out of 414 programs, Troy University's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $26,803 to $40,681 over five years (52% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Troy University

A 93% acceptance rate means Troy University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 10,089 students in Troy, AL. Pell Grant recipients make up 42% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Troy 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 Troy 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

How does Troy University's Sociology program score?

This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Sociology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Troy University Sociology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

How vulnerable is Sociology to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Sociology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Sociology earnings lower at Troy University?

Lower starting pay at Troy University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →