Sociology at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
49
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,889/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #45 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 $590K $581K $532K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.2x 13.0x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 49 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,712
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,212
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,766
69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Wisconsin-Madison's Sociology program produces graduates earning $35,889/yr — within striking distance of the $34,392 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Sociology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Sociology's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,212 in median debt clears quickly against $35,889 in annual earnings.

At #45 of 414 nationally, this is a top-5% Sociology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $60,766 show a 69% jump from the $35,889 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison's 43% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with 35,665 students enrolled in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

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 Wisconsin-Madison

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Sociology careers?
With 42% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $531,969 in decade earnings vs $590,082 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Wisconsin-Madison's Sociology program stand out?
Ranked #45 of 414 programs nationally, University of Wisconsin-Madison lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →