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Sociology at University of Delaware

Newark, DE · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,714/yr (-14% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 9.4x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #214 of 414 Sociology programs

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	$616K	$605K	$550K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.6x	9.4x	8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.9x	3.8x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	39	38	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$64,320

Out-of-state: $158,880 (3.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,724

-5% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,197

9.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$60,435

103% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,714/yr, Sociology graduates from University of Delaware land near the $34,392 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 9.4x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,197 debt-to-$29,714 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #214 out of 414 programs, University of Delaware's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $29,714 to $60,435 over five years (103% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Delaware

University of Delaware accepts 65% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 18,812 students in Newark, DE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Delaware →

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 Delaware

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Delaware's Sociology program score?

This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Sociology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Sociology to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Sociology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

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