Sociologyat University of North Carolina Asheville
Graduates earn $18,869/yr in their first year — about 45.0% below the national Sociology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $484K; scenarios range from $456K to $483K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of North Carolina Asheville
The earnings trajectory for UNC Asheville Sociology graduates reflects the regional labor market and the nature of this versatile liberal arts degree. Asheville's economy, while growing, leans heavily into non-profits, social services, and local government, where entry-level roles for sociology majors typically don't command the highest starting salaries. Many graduates find meaningful work in community organizations or social advocacy, roles that offer intrinsic rewards but often require further education or significant experience to reach higher earning tiers. The listed career paths with greater income potential often necessitate a master's or PhD, which is a common progression for sociology graduates nationally. To boost your earning potential, actively pursue internships that apply your research and analytical skills in data-driven or business-focused environments, or consider a complementary minor in a field like data analytics or business administration.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of North Carolina Asheville's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Sociology
How University of North Carolina Asheville stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of North Carolina Asheville
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of North Carolina Asheville, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Sociology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Sociology at University of North Carolina Asheville
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.