Sociology at Portland State University
Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
32
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,376
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,213
61% growth from Year 1
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
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 →