Ethnic & Cultural Studies at University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
15
Base Case
11
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,623/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Small (8,000 openings/yr)
ROI 1.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #90 of 92 Ethnic & Cultural Minority programs

Program Analysis

While this degree provides a crucial lens for understanding society, it doesn't map directly to a specific, high-paying career path. The skills you'll gain—critical analysis, complex argumentation, and deep cultural competency—are highly valued, but you have to be the one to translate them for employers. Unlike a business or engineering degree, there isn't a built-in recruiting pipeline for these studies. Your career will likely be in the non-profit, government, or education sectors, which are driven by passion but often have modest starting salaries. The Puget Sound region has many opportunities in these fields, but they are competitive. To maximize your investment, your actionable step is to secure substantive, career-oriented internships every single year. A strong resume of practical experience is the bridge between your academic knowledge and a professional role right after graduation.

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 $395K $411K $408K
Earnings Multiple 1.6x 1.7x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 41% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 15 15 11

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$239,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$155,680
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,215
9.9 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of Puget Sound

University of Puget Sound accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 1,631 students in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $155,680 — 35% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Puget Sound →

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 University of Puget Sound

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 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ethnic & Cultural Studies at University of Puget Sound?
At 15/100, 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 University of Puget Sound?
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.
Is University of Puget Sound a good choice for Ethnic & Cultural Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Puget Sound'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 →