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Sociology at University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,796/yr (4% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 14.8x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #133 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	$481K	$482K	$455K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.8x	14.8x	14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.5x	4.6x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	43	41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,460

Out-of-state: $105,800 (4.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,912

-115% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$44,905

25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,796/yr, Sociology graduates from University of New Mexico-Main Campus land near the $34,392 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 14.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 against $35,796/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #133 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places University of New Mexico-Main Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 25% earnings increase from $35,796 to $44,905 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of New Mexico-Main Campus

With 95% of applicants admitted, University of New Mexico-Main Campus prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 16,686 in Albuquerque, NM.

See all programs and financial aid at University of New Mexico-Main Campus →

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 New Mexico-Main Campus

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

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of New Mexico-Main Campus?

At 43/100, 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 New Mexico-Main Campus?

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 →