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Sociology at University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,220/yr (-15% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 17.5x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #181 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	$514K	$513K	$478K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.6x	17.5x	16.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.6x	5.6x	5.2x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	40	40	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$29,268

Out-of-state: $91,940 (5.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$77,888

-166% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,250

9.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,645

63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,220 per year, Sociology graduates from University of North Carolina Wilmington earn below the $34,392 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 17.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,250 against $29,220/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #181 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places University of North Carolina Wilmington in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $29,220-to-$47,645 earnings arc over five years reflects a 63% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of North Carolina Wilmington

With 74% of applicants admitted, University of North Carolina Wilmington prioritizes broad access, enrolling 14,176 students in Wilmington, NC.

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

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 Wilmington

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of North Carolina Wilmington?

At 40/100, 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 Wilmington?

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 Wilmington a good choice for Sociology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of North Carolina Wilmington'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 →