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Science, Technology and Society at Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,736/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (25% exposed)
Job Market Medium (22,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #8 of 11 Science, Technology and Society programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Science, Technology and Society graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $853K $837K $766K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$249,936
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,544
81% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$92,295
106% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Stanford University's Science, Technology and Society program produces graduates earning $44,736/yr — within striking distance of the $49,207 national average for this field.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 25% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #8 out of 11 programs, Stanford University's financial outcomes for Science, Technology and Society trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $44,736 to $92,295 over five years (106% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Stanford University

Only 4% of applicants gain admission to Stanford University, reflecting elite selectivity, serving 7,841 students in Stanford, CA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $48,544 — 81% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Stanford University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 11 schools offering Science, Technology and Society →

Science, Technology and Society at Other Schools

Troy University ($85,672) Texas Tech University ($69,382) James Madison University ($54,235) Eastern Michigan University ($53,566) Georgetown University ($51,399) North Carolina State University at Raleigh ($43,150) Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($40,297) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($39,993)

Other Majors at Stanford University

Computer Science ($138,613) Cognitive Science ($105,695) Engineering-Related Fields ($100,788) Economics ($98,104) International Relations and National Security Studies ($76,166) Political Science and Government ($59,297) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($50,487) Human Biology ($50,179)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Stanford University's Science, Technology and Society program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Science, Technology and Society. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is Science, Technology and Society at Stanford University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $249,936, but the average net cost is $48,544 — a 81% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →