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Social Sciences, General at University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

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)

Ranked #55 of 76 Social Sciences, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Sciences, General 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)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$81,880

-90% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,000

7.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,927

97% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,844/yr fall 25% below the $38,652 national median for Social Sciences, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 14.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Sciences, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,000 against $28,844/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #55 ranking among 76 Social Sciences, General programs places University at Buffalo in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $28,844-to-$56,927 earnings arc over five years reflects a 97% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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

View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Social Sciences, General 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, General at University at Buffalo?

At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Sciences, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Social Sciences, General 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, General 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 →