Sociology and Anthropology at University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,495/yr (-33% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (109,400 openings/yr)
ROI 1.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #8 of 10 Sociology and Anthropology programs

Program Analysis

A Sociology and Anthropology degree from a liberal arts institution like the University of Puget Sound provides a robust foundation in critical thinking, research, and understanding complex human systems. While these are invaluable skills, the direct career path isn't always linear or immediately high-paying compared to more vocational fields. Many graduates find their niche in non-profits, government agencies, community development, or social services, where a deep understanding of human behavior and societal structures is prized. The Tacoma/Seattle region offers opportunities in these sectors, as well as in human-centered design or market research roles within tech, but often requires proactive networking. Given the high AI risk for some analytical tasks, focus on developing your qualitative research, ethnographic, and interpersonal communication skills. You'll need to actively translate your broad knowledge into specific professional applications.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Sociology and Anthropology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $364K $378K $376K
Earnings Multiple 1.5x 1.6x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 43% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 24

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
$25,000
15.4 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of Puget Sound

With 76% of applicants admitted, University of Puget Sound prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,631 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

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary $95,770/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Sociology and Anthropology at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Puget Sound

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology and Anthropology at University of Puget Sound?
A score of 25/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology and Anthropology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Sociology and Anthropology at University of Puget Sound worth the student debt?
Median debt of $25,000 against $19,495/yr starting salary means roughly 1.3 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Will AI replace Sociology and Anthropology careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $376,196 in decade earnings vs $364,118 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Sociology and Anthropology from University of Puget Sound?
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 →