Home › Vassar College › Sociology

Sociology at Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,356/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 1.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #366 of 414 Sociology programs

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 $402K $410K $398K
Earnings Multiple 1.5x 1.5x 1.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,728
44% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $26,356 per year, Sociology graduates from Vassar College earn below the $34,392 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 1.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #366 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Vassar College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Vassar College

A 18% acceptance rate puts Vassar College in competitive admissions territory, a compact campus enrolling 2,430 students in Poughkeepsie, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $152,728 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Vassar College →

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

Compare this program → View all 414 schools offering Sociology →

Sociology at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($64,377) Columbia University in the City of New York ($58,541) Santa Clara University ($53,612) Colgate University ($51,788) Trinity College ($50,077) King's College ($48,529) Barnard College ($48,215) Boston College ($48,091)

Other Majors at Vassar College

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($80,037) Economics ($79,845) Mathematics ($52,085) Political Science and Government ($48,679) Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology ($45,599) Neurobiology and Neurosciences ($41,752) Urban Studies/Affairs ($39,410) History ($38,461)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Sociology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Vassar College?
At 29/100, 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 Vassar College?
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 Vassar College a good choice for Sociology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Vassar College'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 →