Sociology at University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,915/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #148 of 414 Sociology programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

Your Sociology degree from Notre Dame benefits significantly from the university's robust national brand and fiercely loyal alumni network. This institutional prestige often opens doors in diverse sectors – from non-profits and government to consulting and corporate roles – that might otherwise be harder to access with a broad liberal arts major. Graduates frequently leverage their critical thinking, research, and analytical skills in roles spanning human resources, market research, or policy analysis, often transitioning into management positions that value a deep understanding of human behavior and social systems. The program's strength lies in honing these versatile intellectual capabilities rather than preparing you for a singular career path. Given the evolving job market and the increasing automation risk in many analytical and research-heavy fields, proactively seeking out internships that apply your sociological insights to data analysis or project management will be crucial for your future career trajectory.

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 $839K $808K $709K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$250,772
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$111,292
56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,800
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$88,792
147% growth from Year 1

About University of Notre Dame

Only 12% of applicants gain admission to University of Notre Dame, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 8,923 students in Notre Dame, IN. The average net cost of $111,292 over four years represents a 56% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Notre Dame →

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 Notre Dame

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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at University of Notre Dame?
At 42/100, 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 Notre Dame?
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.
What do students actually pay for Sociology at University of Notre Dame?
The 56% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $250,772. At a net cost of $111,292, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →