Home › University of Houston-Downtown › Sociology

Sociology at University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,555/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 14.1x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #260 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 $430K $436K $419K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.0x 14.1x 13.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 6.1x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,832
Out-of-state: $71,152 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,492
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,656
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$48,478
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Houston-Downtown's Sociology program produces graduates earning $31,555/yr — within striking distance of the $34,392 national average for this field.

With a 14.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,656 against $31,555/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #260 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places University of Houston-Downtown in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Houston-Downtown

A 91% acceptance rate means University of Houston-Downtown is accessible to most applicants, serving 12,812 students in Houston, TX. With 52% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Houston-Downtown →

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

Compare this program → View all 414 schools offering Sociology →

Sociology at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($64,377) Columbia University in the City of New York ($58,541) Santa Clara University ($53,612) Colgate University ($51,788) Trinity College ($50,077) King's College ($48,529) Barnard College ($48,215) Boston College ($48,091)

Other Majors at University of Houston-Downtown

Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($68,144) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($56,475) Accounting and Related Services ($54,128) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($53,764) Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians ($51,840) Management Information Systems and Services ($51,314) Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($50,894) Mathematics ($49,496)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of Houston-Downtown?
At 36/100, 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 Houston-Downtown?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →