Social Sciences at University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Social Sciences, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,844/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk
High (45% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (318,400 openings/yr)
ROI
14.0x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Sciences graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $616K | $603K | $554K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.3x | 14.0x | 12.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.0x | 4.9x | 4.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 61% | 54% | 43% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 47 | 46 | 53 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,128
Out-of-state: $122,288 (4.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,927
97% growth from Year 1
About University at Buffalo
With a 69% acceptance rate, University at Buffalo is moderately selective, serving a student body of 20,284 in Buffalo, NY.
See all programs and financial aid at University at Buffalo →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Statisticians
$103,300/yr
Sociologists
$101,690/yr
Compare & Explore
Social Sciences at Other Schools
Other Majors at University at Buffalo
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 does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences at University at Buffalo?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Social Sciences at University at Buffalo?
The 45% 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 University at Buffalo a good choice for Social Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University at Buffalo'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 →