Sociology at University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,922/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk
High (42% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI
8.9x earnings multiple (3.5x 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 | $466K | $469K | $444K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.8x | 8.9x | 8.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.5x | 3.5x | 3.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 44% | 34% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 36 | 35 | 33 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (3.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,041
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,327
21% growth from Year 1
About University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 23,189 students in Lexington, KY.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →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 Kentucky
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
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 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of Kentucky?
At 35/100, 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 Kentucky?
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 →