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Social Sciences Studies at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Social Sciences, Other
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,931/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #24 of 33 Social Sciences, Other programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Sciences Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $502K $501K $476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.3x 11.3x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 62% 57% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,300
Out-of-state: $123,980 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,000
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,522
57% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Social Sciences Studies graduates start at $28,931/yr, trailing the $37,190 national average by 22%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 11.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Sciences Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,000 against $28,931/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #24 ranking among 33 Social Sciences Studies programs places California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $28,931-to-$45,522 earnings arc over five years reflects a 57% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Admission to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is competitive, with 30% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 21,521 in San Luis Obispo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other $75,040/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 33 schools offering Social Sciences Studies →

Social Sciences Studies at Other Schools

University of California-Berkeley ($61,109) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($54,265) Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($51,753) Boston University ($48,243) Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus ($45,509) University of California-Davis ($45,178) Millersville University of Pennsylvania ($42,844) Eastern Oregon University ($42,347)

Other Majors at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Computer Engineering ($111,560) Computer Science ($111,141) Construction Management ($92,785) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($90,576) Industrial Engineering ($87,226) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($85,509) Mechanical Engineering ($83,011) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($82,197)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Social Sciences Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences Studies at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Sciences Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Social Sciences Studies at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
The 33% 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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo a good choice for Social Sciences Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo'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 →