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Sociology at University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $18,869/yr (-45% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 16.2x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #367 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	$483K	$484K	$456K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.2x	16.2x	15.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	4.9x	4.6x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	29	28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$29,844

Out-of-state: $99,236 (4.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,460

-72% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,585

13.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$38,232

103% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $18,869 per year, Sociology graduates from University of North Carolina Asheville earn below the $34,392 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 16.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #367 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places University of North Carolina Asheville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $18,869-to-$38,232 earnings arc over five years reflects a 103% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of North Carolina Asheville

With 94% of applicants admitted, University of North Carolina Asheville prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 2,790 in Asheville, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina Asheville →

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 North Carolina Asheville

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

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of North Carolina Asheville?

At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Sociology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Sociology degree from University of North Carolina Asheville?

At $20,585 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at University of North Carolina Asheville?

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.

Is University of North Carolina Asheville a good choice for Sociology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of North Carolina Asheville's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →