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Sociology at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,121/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #77 of 414 Sociology programs Top 25%

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	$629K	$616K	$559K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.4x	11.2x	10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.5x	3.5x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,988

Out-of-state: $178,096 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,052

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,453

5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$64,677

90% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,121/yr, roughly in line with the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Sociology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Sociology's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $34,121 far exceeding the $14,453 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #77 of 414 nationally, this is a top-5% Sociology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $64,677 show a 90% jump from the $34,121 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-Los Angeles's 9% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with 33,040 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA.

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

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 University of California-Los Angeles

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at University of California-Los Angeles?

A score of 46/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Sociology careers?

With 42% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $559,204 in decade earnings vs $628,514 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes University of California-Los Angeles's Sociology program stand out?

Ranked #77 of 414 programs nationally, University of California-Los Angeles lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.

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