Ethnic & Cultural Studies at The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,046/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Small (8,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.5x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 92 Ethnic & Cultural Minority programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

While this degree doesn't lead to a single, obvious career path, your earnings potential is higher here than at almost any other program in the field. Why? You're not just at any university; you're at UT Austin. The sheer power of the Longhorn network and the university's elite reputation open doors that data tables can't show. You'll be competing for roles in tech, government, and non-profits against graduates from every major, and the UT brand on your resume gives you an immediate advantage in the booming Austin job market and beyond. The critical thinking and cultural competency skills you develop are highly valued, but they aren't enough on their own. Our advice: from day one, pair this major with internships and a specific skill set—like data analysis, marketing, or public policy—to translate your academic knowledge into a compelling career.

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 $547K $538K $489K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.7x 11.5x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.2x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 41% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,712
Out-of-state: $171,112 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,712
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,353
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,202
49% growth from Year 1

About The University of Texas at Austin

A 29% acceptance rate puts The University of Texas at Austin in competitive admissions territory, with 42,100 students enrolled in Austin, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Austin →

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

Other Majors at The University of Texas at Austin

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 Ethnic & Cultural Studies at The University of Texas at Austin?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Ethnic & Cultural Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Ethnic & Cultural Studies careers?
With 69% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $488,540 in decade earnings vs $547,402 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes The University of Texas at Austin's Ethnic & Cultural Studies program stand out?
Ranked #10 of 92 programs nationally, The University of Texas at Austin lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →