Sociology at University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,435/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #200 of 414 Sociology programs Top 50%

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 $533K $529K $491K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.3x 9.2x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.5x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 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)
$57,352
Out-of-state: $117,440 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,252
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,284
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,435/yr, Sociology graduates from University of Illinois Chicago land near the $34,392 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.2x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Sociology's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $17,500 represents roughly 6 months of the $34,435 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #200 of 414 Sociology programs, University of Illinois Chicago scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $52,284 show a 52% jump from the $34,435 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Illinois Chicago

With 78% of applicants admitted, University of Illinois Chicago prioritizes broad access, with 21,814 students enrolled in Chicago, IL. With 50% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Chicago →

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 Illinois Chicago

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at University of Illinois Chicago?
A score of 39/100 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 $491,172 in decade earnings vs $532,515 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →