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Sociology at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,801/yr (16% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)

ROI 9.7x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #123 of 414 Sociology programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$507K	$505K	$473K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.7x	9.7x	9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.4x	4.3x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	44	40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$51,988

Out-of-state: $116,292 (4.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$57,604

-11% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,450

6.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$50,035

26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,801 per year, Sociology graduates from Washington State University earn slightly above the $34,392 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 9.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Sociology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,450 against $39,801/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #123 ranking among 414 Sociology programs places Washington State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 26% earnings increase from $39,801 to $50,035 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Washington State University

With 85% of applicants admitted, Washington State University prioritizes broad access, with 21,583 students enrolled in Pullman, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington State University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Sociologists $101,690/yr

Sociology teachers, postsecondary $82,540/yr

View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Sociology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Washington State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Sociology at Washington State University?

At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Sociology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Sociology at Washington State University?

The 42% 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 →