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Sociology at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,708/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

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

ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #303 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	$506K	$504K	$472K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.2x	11.2x	10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.2x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	34	33	32

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 (4.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,728

-15% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,376

7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,213

61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Portland State University's Sociology graduates start at $28,708/yr, trailing the $34,392 national average by 17%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 11.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,376 against $28,708/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #303 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Portland State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $28,708-to-$46,213 earnings arc over five years reflects a 61% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Portland State University

A 91% acceptance rate means Portland State University is accessible to most applicants, 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

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 Portland State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Portland State University?

At 33/100, 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 Portland State University?

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 Portland State University a good choice for Sociology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Portland State University'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 →