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Sociology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,623/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 16.0x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #102 of 414 Sociology programs Top 25%

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	$585K	$576K	$528K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.3x	16.0x	14.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.7x	3.7x	3.4x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	45	45	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$35,956

Out-of-state: $157,320 (3.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,932

-44% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,050

5.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,345

87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,623/yr, Sociology graduates from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill land near the $34,392 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 16.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $14,050 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks #102 among 414 Sociology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $30,623-to-$57,345 earnings arc over five years reflects a 87% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A 19% acceptance rate puts University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in competitive admissions territory, serving a student body of 20,556 in Chapel Hill, NC.

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

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 at Chapel Hill

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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

At 45/100, 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

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 at Chapel Hill one of the best schools for Sociology?

Among 414 Sociology programs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's #102 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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