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Sociology at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,464/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 9.4x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #95 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	$584K	$576K	$528K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.6x	9.4x	8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.2x	3.1x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	45	43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$61,060

Out-of-state: $184,168 (3.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$47,000

23% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,000

4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$60,237

65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,464 at University of California-San Diego come in 6% above the national median of $34,392 for Sociology programs.

A 9.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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

With first-year pay of $36,464 far exceeding the $13,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of California-San Diego ranks #95 among 414 Sociology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $36,464-to-$60,237 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-San Diego

University of California-San Diego accepts 25% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 33,787 students enrolled in La Jolla, CA.

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

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-San Diego

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of California-San Diego?

At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Sociology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

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

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-San Diego one of the best schools for Sociology?

Among 414 Sociology programs, University of California-San Diego's #95 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 →