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Social Sciences, General at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,093/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (318,400 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #51 of 76 Social Sciences, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $516K $513K $483K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.5x 11.4x 10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 61% 54% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,728
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,914
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,355
41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,093/yr, Social Sciences, General graduates from Portland State University land near the $38,652 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Social Sciences, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,914 against $35,093/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #51 ranking among 76 Social Sciences, General programs places Portland State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 41% earnings increase from $35,093 to $49,355 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Portland State University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Portland State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 13,619 in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland State University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Statisticians $103,300/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 76 schools offering Social Sciences, General →

Social Sciences, General at Other Schools

Mercer University ($61,612) Vanderbilt University ($61,389) University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($57,538) Harvard University ($56,540) Upper Iowa University ($56,221) Campbell University ($50,653) University of Maryland Global Campus ($50,557) New York University ($49,016)

Other Majors at Portland State University

Computer Engineering ($87,259) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,853) Computer Science ($78,669) Mechanical Engineering ($73,079) Civil Engineering ($67,509) Physics ($62,749) Accounting and Related Services ($58,069) Finance and Financial Management Services ($52,859)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Social Sciences, General 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 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Social Sciences, General at Portland State University?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Social Sciences, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Social Sciences, General at Portland State University?
The 45% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →