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Sociology at Vermont State University

Randolph, VT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $20,464/yr (-40% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 10.7x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #394 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	$486K	$486K	$458K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.6x	10.7x	10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.7x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$45,600

Out-of-state: $85,632 (5.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$83,460

-83% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$39,464

93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $20,464/yr fall 40% below the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 10.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #394 out of 414 programs, Vermont State University's financial outcomes for Sociology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $20,464 to $39,464 over five years (93% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Vermont State University

Vermont State University has a 83% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 3,567 students in Randolph, VT.

See all programs and financial aid at Vermont State University →

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 Vermont State University

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

How does Vermont State University's Sociology program score?

This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Sociology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Sociology to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Sociology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Sociology earnings lower at Vermont State University?

Lower starting pay at Vermont State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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