Sociology at Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,958/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #407 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 $399K $408K $397K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$155,256
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$99,280
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,666
11.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $25,958/yr fall 25% below the $34,392 national median for Sociology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The financial case is thin at 2.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 1% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,666 represents roughly 12 months of the $25,958 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #407 of 414 Sociology programs, Seattle Pacific University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,073 students in Seattle, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $99,280 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Seattle Pacific 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 Seattle Pacific 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at Seattle Pacific University?
A score of 23/100 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 $396,871 in decade earnings vs $399,456 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Sociology from Seattle Pacific University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →