Ethnic & Cultural Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,841/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market
Small (8,000 openings/yr)
ROI
12.1x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
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 | $551K | $541K | $490K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.3x | 12.1x | 10.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.4x | 3.3x | 3.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 41% | 26% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 30 | 30 | 23 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (3.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,254
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,025
80% growth from Year 1
About University of Wisconsin-Madison
With a 43% acceptance rate, University of Wisconsin-Madison is moderately selective, serving a student body of 35,665 in Madison, WI.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →Top Career Paths
Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary
$84,290/yr
Interpreters and translators
$59,440/yr
Compare & Explore
Ethnic & Cultural Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-Madison
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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ethnic & Cultural Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
At 30/100, 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 Wisconsin-Madison?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →