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Sociology at University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,295/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #239 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	$435K	$440K	$422K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.1x	12.2x	11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.2x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	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)

$35,976

Out-of-state: $103,800 (4.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$61,608

-71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,000

5.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$37,153

2% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,295/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 12.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $16,000 in median debt against $36,295 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #239 out of 414 programs, University of Nevada-Reno's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $36,295 to $37,153 over five years (2% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About University of Nevada-Reno

University of Nevada-Reno has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 15,723 students in Reno, NV.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nevada-Reno →

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 Nevada-Reno

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

How does University of Nevada-Reno's Sociology program score?

This program scores 37/100 — 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 →