Sociology at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
45
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%

Program Analysis

Studying Sociology at UCLA means you're leveraging an elite university's reputation, even within a broad humanities field. Your strong foundation in critical thinking, research, and understanding complex social dynamics is highly valued, but initial career paths for Sociology majors often diverge widely. The Los Angeles labor market is incredibly diverse, spanning tech, media, non-profits, and government. Many graduates find success by applying their analytical skills to roles in marketing, HR, or data analysis, rather than purely sociological positions. The program cultivates intellectual rigor, but direct high-paying pipelines are less common without additional specialization. To maximize your outcomes, proactively seek internships that combine your sociological insights with tangible skills like data visualization, project management, or policy advocacy, preparing you for the most competitive roles.

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

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

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 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 →