Sociology at University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
43
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,237
65% growth from Year 1
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
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 →