Ethnic & Cultural Studies at San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,001/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Small (8,000 openings/yr)
ROI 18.7x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 92 Ethnic & Cultural Minority programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

While the immediate earnings might seem modest, SFSU’s program offers a distinct advantage: location. You’ll be studying at the heart of major social justice movements, in a city teeming with non-profits, advocacy groups, and community-based organizations. This proximity provides unparalleled internship and networking opportunities that don't always lead to high corporate salaries, but build careers with significant impact. The curriculum here is renowned for its focus on activism and community engagement, preparing you for roles in public policy, education, and social services where success isn't just measured by a paycheck. Given the high AI risk for roles involving pure information synthesis, your key is to lean into the human element. Focus on building skills in community organizing, restorative justice, and client advocacy—complex, empathetic work that technology cannot replicate. That's your most durable career asset.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Ethnic & Cultural Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $568K $556K $500K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.1x 18.7x 16.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.2x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 41% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,696
Out-of-state: $77,216 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,528
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,303
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,308
78% growth from Year 1

About San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 20,033 students enrolled in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco State University →

Top Career Paths

Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary $84,290/yr
Interpreters and translators $59,440/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Ethnic & Cultural Studies at Other Schools

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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 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ethnic & Cultural Studies at San Francisco State University?
At 38/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ethnic & Cultural Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Ethnic & Cultural Studies at San Francisco State University?
The 69% 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 →