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Sociology at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $40,774/yr (19% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 11.6x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #4 of 414 Sociology programs Top 1%

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	$707K	$688K	$615K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	11.6x	10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.9x	3.8x	3.4x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	57	56	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)

$59,400

Out-of-state: $182,508 (3.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,916

-1% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,000

3.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$78,070

91% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,774/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 11.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $13,000 in median debt against $40,774 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Among 414 Sociology programs nationally, University of California-Berkeley ranks #4 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The $40,774-to-$78,070 earnings arc over five years reflects a 91% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley admits 12% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, one of the larger campuses at 33,073 students in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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

Compare Sociology

Other Majors at University of California-Berkeley

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 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of California-Berkeley?

At 56/100, University of California-Berkeley's Sociology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at University of California-Berkeley?

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 University of California-Berkeley one of the best schools for Sociology?

Among 414 Sociology programs, University of California-Berkeley's #4 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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