Sociology at Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,193/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #117 of 414 Sociology programs Top 50%

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 $522K $520K $484K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.7x 9.6x 9.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 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)
$53,976
Out-of-state: $142,656 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,272
-45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,864
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,350
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,193 at Oregon State University come in 14% above the national median of $34,392 for Sociology programs.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.6x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $39,193 far exceeding the $18,864 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #117 of 414 Sociology programs, Oregon State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $39,193 to $52,350 over five years — a 34% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Oregon State University

Oregon State University accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 29,557 in Corvallis, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon 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 Oregon State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Oregon State University?
A score of 44/100 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 $483,933 in decade earnings vs $522,301 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →